Fluid Balance, Hydration, and Athletic Performance

Fluid Balance, Hydration, and Athletic Performance presents a comprehensive review of aspects relating to body fluid balance, rehydration, sport, and physical exercise. The content is scientifically supported, practical, and suitably written for a range of audiences, including academics (professors and students) and sports and health professionals (coaches, physical educators, nutritionists, and physicians), as well as athletes and individuals involved in physical activities.

Compared to other books previously published in this area, this book does not limit body hydration issues to the average or elite adult athlete. Rather, it addresses aspects relevant to a range of individuals of different ages (adolescents and master athletes) competing in various sports. In recognition of the growing number of individuals with specific medical conditions who have been exercising more and even participating in competitive sports, separate chapters on prevalent diseases or medical conditions associated with risks of body fluid homeostasis also are presented.

To achieve such a complete and qualified publication, the book is written by top experts and professionals experienced in their respective research areas. It presents the basics of fluid balance and provides updates on controversial fluid intake-related issues such as hyponatremia, optimal recovery, intermittent sports, and perceptual responses.

Dr. Flavia Meyer, MD, PhD, currently is a professor at the School of Physical Education, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Brazil. She is also a faculty for the Human Movement Graduate Program at UFRGS, where she has supervised 6 PhD and over 25 MSc students. Dr. Meyer received her Medical Doctor degree from UFRGS and also completed a residency program in Pediatrics and a specialization in Sports Medicine there. She received her PhD in Medical Sciences at McMaster University in Canada. Dr. Meyer has researched and published in the field of pediatric exercise and nutrition science and, more specifically, in hydration, thermoregulation, obesity, and chronic diseases.

Dr. Zbigniew Szygula, MD, PhD, currently is a professor and the head of the Department of Sports Medicine and Human Nutrition at the University of Physical Education in Kraków, Poland. Dr. Szygula received his medical degree from the Medical Academy in Kraków, Poland, and his MSc and PhD degrees in exercise sciences from the University of Physical Education in Kraków, Poland. Dr. Szygula’s area of expertise is in exercise physiology and sports medicine, with an emphasis on sports hematology, hypoxia, and thermoregulation. He has published extensively and has served as a reviewer in various international scientific journals. Dr. Szygula is a sports physician for many athletes in Kraków.

Dr. Boguslaw "Bogdan" Wilk, PhD, FACSM, currently is a research associate with the Child Health and Exercise Medicine Program at the Children’s Exercise and Nutrition Centre, Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Dr. Wilk received his MSc and PhD degrees in exercise sciences from the Academy of Physical Education (University School of Physical Education) in Kraków, Poland. His main research interest areas are fluid and electrolyte replenishment in the exercising child and adult and thermal regulation and tolerance of exercise in high and low environmental temperatures in health and disease. Dr. Wilk has published in a variety of scientific journals and has served as a referee and member of international scientific editorial boards.