EFFECTS OF MILD DEHYDRATION ON THERMOREGULATION, PERFORMANCE AND MENTAL FATIGUE DURING AN ICE HOCKEY SCRIMMAGE by

EFFECTS OF MILD DEHYDRATION ON THERMOREGULATION, PERFORMANCE AND MENTAL FATIGUE DURING AN ICE HOCKEY SCRIMMAGE Mark Edward Linseman Advisor: University of Guelph, 2011 Professor L.L. Spriet This study investigated the effects of progressive dehydration by 1.5-2.0% body mass (BM) (NF) on core temperature (Tc), heart rate (HR), on-ice performance, and mental fatigue during a 70-min scrimmage, compared to maintaining BM with a carbohydrate-electrolyte solution (CES). Compared to CES, Tc was significantly higher throughout the scrimmage in NF. Players in NF had reduced mean skating speed and time at high effort between 30-50 min of the scrimmage. Players in NF committed more puck turnovers and completed a lower percentage of passes in the last 20 min of play. Post-scrimmage shuttle skating time was higher in NF. Hockey fatigue questionnaire total score and Profile of Mood States fatigue score was higher in NF. The results indicate that mild dehydration compared to maintaining BM with a CES resulted in increased Tc, decreased skating and puck handling performance, and increased mental fatigue during an ice hockey scrimmage.