Methods of assessing hydration

This review published by Barley et al. (2020) provides a novel set of guidelines for developing an assessment battery of hydration status for different situations.

In the Table I we can see the characteristics of methods for assessing hydration:

Rapid weight loss is commonly practiced among judo athletes and radikal approaches, applying methods such as reduced fluid intake, caloric deficiency, increased physical activity, plastic suit training, heated room training or sauna are often employed.

Using some easy methods (sensation of thirst, body mass or urine color) to check the hydration status of our atheltes will help us to control them. The best preventive measure may be the education of judo athletes and coaches about the consequences of rapid and extreme weight loss and the significant role nutrition plays in successful training and competition for our sport, fluid replacement being a key concern.