Effects of the Water Consumption on the Performance of Congolese Middle-Distance Running Veteran's Athletes

摘要

Objective: Appreciate the effect of the water intake on the performance of Congolese veteran middle distance runners. Methods: The study took place from 16 March to 16 May 2015 in Brazzaville (Congo). (30) middle distance athletes belonging to the category of veterans formed the sample of it. Their average age was 35.93 ± 5,05years old. These athletes have been practicing endurance racing and had been tested twice; the Sargent and Cooper test. These tests were conducted in two phases: the first, without water intake (WO. W. I.) and the second, with water intake (W. W. I). Results: Our sample was 30 subjects. Events selected during our study focused on 800 meter (n = 08), 1500 meter (n = 14), 3000 meter (n = 02) and 5000 meter (n = 06). Body mass index (BMI) (weight/height~2) was 20.33 ± 2.14. Regarding performance, the difference was significant (P> 0.05) in the Cooper test with water intake (W. W. I) from Without Intake (WO. W. I). On the other hand, no difference was observed in the Sargent test in both moments (without water intake and water intake). Conclusion: Water, considered vital, had a positive effect in Cooper's test and had no benefit in the Sargent test where performance was declining after consumption.