Thirst for Drink Knowledge: How Singaporean Youth Athletes Measure up in an Exercise Hydration Knowledge Questionnaire

Abstract

The study examined the exercise hydration knowledge of youth athletes in Singaporean schools. 586 youth athletes (mean age 13.9±2.5yrs, male=322, female=259, unidentified=5) from four primary schools (n=231, 11.4±1.1yrs), four secondary schools (n=219, 14.5±1.1yrs) and one junior college (n=136, 17.3±0.8yrs), participated in the study. All participants completed a validated exercise hydration knowledge questionnaire that was developed based upon the consensus statements and position stands of three international sport associations. 46.9% of youths were dependent on teachers and coaches for exercise hydration knowledge, but junior college students were more self-taught. An average knowledge competence score of 44.7±14.0% was obtained, which was significantly below the minimum required competence score of 80%. Post-exercise hydration knowledge was significantly lower than pre-and during exercise hydration knowledge (Mean scores pre=47.2±22.0%, during=48.7±16.9%, post=36.3±18.3%; all p<0.05). Overall, exercise hydration knowledge gaps among youth athletes were identified, in particular for post-exercise hydration. The majority of participants from the three schooling levels did not attain the required competence score of 80% and above. Coach education and physical education training programmes must specifically address and ameliorate these knowledge deficiencies among Singaporean youth so that they can be empowered to take personal responsibility for their safe participation and training in sport.