Date of Graduation

5-2018

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Kinesiology (MS)

Degree Level

Graduate

Department

Health, Human Performance and Recreation

Advisor/Mentor

Kavouras, Stavros A.

Committee Member

Howie, Erin K.

Second Committee Member

Gorman, Dean R.

Keywords

Coaching; Cycling; Exercise Performance; Hydration; Youth Sports

Abstract

Many youth sports organizations recognize the importance of educating on hydration practices and awareness, although according to recent research current hydration education is not correlating to effective practices. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess and describe the hydration knowledge and behavior of student-athletes participating in competitive junior high and high school mountain bike teams, in order to substantiate further research. METHODS: A total of 133 male and female participants, ranging from 11-18 years were surveyed on their hydration knowledge and behavior. All participants were apparently healthy and were active members of a National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) Mountain Bike Team. RESULTS: The mean score for knowledge was 9.28, SD 1.52. Less than 30% of participants received an adequate score (=>10.5). 65% of participants received hydration education but mean knowledge scores were still inadequate (M=9.5, SD =1.51). Significant differences (p < 0.05) in knowledge scores were seen between genders, year in school, receiving education, and drinking behaviors. CONCLUSION: Despite understanding the importance of keeping hydrated, mean knowledge scores indicated inadequate knowledge, while behavior responses indicated inconsistency in translation of knowledge.

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