Exclusive GSSI Sweat Testing provides insights to prevent dehydration to enhance performance

Maria Sharapova recently welcomed scientists from the Gatorade Sports Science Institute (GSSI) into a training session where they conducted a sweat test to help her understand how to ensure proper hydration. Through test activities, Sharapova learned how well she replaces the fluids and electrolytes she loses in sweat during intense play and reinforced how dehydration can impact performance.

GSSI has tested hundreds of elite professional and amateur athletes from all over the world to help them understand their individual hydration needs.  According to research conducted with WTA athletes, tennis players generally lose between 1.0 and 2.5 liters of sweat.  To help avoid the dangers of the heat, it’s important for tennis players to replace the fluid and electrolytes they lose in sweat.

“As a professional athlete you always want to find those little percentages that can make you perform better,” said Sharapova. “GSSI does an amazing job of making sure that athletes stay hydrated. They helped me understand that I need to replace more that just water.”

During an on-the-court training session, the GSSI scientists conducted two types of tests with Sharapova - the Sweat Analysis Test and a Hydration Assessment Test.

“Our research shows that many tennis players show up to their training sessions or their matches inadequately hydrated, said Beth Stover, MS, CSCS, senior scientist, Gatorade Sports Science Institute.” 

The mission of the Gatorade Sports Science Institute (GSSI) is to help athletes optimize their performance and safeguard their health through research and education in hydration and sports nutrition science. Individuals and teams that have undergone sweat testing, include two-time world football player of the year Ronaldinho, the Chelesa Football Club, baseball player Derek Jeter, golf champion Tiger Woods, Australian cricketer Brett Lee, and many other elite teams and athletes.

When it comes to replacing what athletes lose in sweat, the scientifically-proven formula of Gatorade rehydrates, replenishes and refuels better than water.  Backed by 40 years of scientific research, Gatorade has electrolytes like sodium and potassium which athletes lose in sweat and need to replace. Gatorade has flavor and sodium which research shows encourages athletes to drink enough fluid and stay better hydrated than when drinking water alone. Gatorade has carbohydrates which provide energy for working muscles and performance benefits that water doesn’t have.  Gatorade is the most thoroughly researched sports beverage in the world. For more information, visit http://www.gatorade.com/.

About Maria Sharapova
Currently one of the top female tennis champions in the world, Maria Sharapova quickly ascended to the top becoming the youngest player to win a title on the WTA Tour in 2003 and the third-youngest Wimbledon Champion in 2004.  A hard-working and dedicated athlete, Sharapova finished 2006 with five WTA Tournament wins, including the U.S. Open. Additional information about Maria Sharapova can be found at http://www.mariasharapova.com/.

About GSSI
Established in 1988, The Gatorade Sports Science Institute, headquartered in Barrington, Illinois (USA), is a research and educational facility dedicated to enhancing the performance and well being of athletes.  Every year, GSSI educates more than 100,000 members who are primarily sports and health professionals on the latest sports science information through direct communications, educational programs and tools, conferences and professional meetings in the U.S. and around the world.  For more information about sports nutrition and exercise science, visit the Gatorade Sports Science Institute Web site at http://www.gssiweb.org/.