| Abstract |
With the exception of combat casualties, dehydration is the militarys number-one wartime health problem. Dehydration is also of paramount importance during peacetime training exercises. Fluid loss and electrolyte imbalances can lead to thermal injuries such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and death. The government spends millions of dollars in lost productivity and for the care of individuals who have fluid and electrolyte disorders. These problems can seriously compromise the mission readiness of the U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy, and Marines. Chemical warfare is a constant threat and, accordingly, personnel have to don mission-oriented protective postures (MOPP) gear. MOPP gear greatly intensifies the incidence of dehydration and subsequent problems such as thermal injuries. This study was to examine which fluid (power drink, fruit-flavored glucose drink, or water) is the most effective in maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance and blood sugar (glucose) levels while wearing MOPP gear. Specifically, the study attempted to determine the effects of the fluids on serum sodium, osmolality, potassium, glucose, urine osmolality, total body water, core temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and weight. Because there are differences in men and women with respect to total body water, lean, and fat mass, the study used two separate samples of men (N = 45) and women (N = 45), ranging in age from 18 to 52 years. In addition, the study examined the effects of the hydration modalities on men who have body fat < 18% or > 19% and women who have body fat < 26% or > 27%. |
