title: Body fluid status and physical demand during the Giro d'Italia.
abstract: The aim of the study was to investigate changes in hydration status by means of bioelectrical impedance vector analyses (BIVA) and to assess its influence on power output and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) during the Giro d'Italia 2014. Daily bioelectrical impedance analysis were performed on 9 professional road cyclists (age: 28.2 ± 4.7 yr, height: 176.0 ± 5.5 cm, weight: 64.7 ± 3.4 kg) during the race. Additionally, body weight, RPE, and power output were recorded throughout the race. Impedance vectors shortened during the race, whereas body weight remained unchanged at the end of the tour when compared to pre-tour. Vector changes were not related to power output or RPE. The shortening of the BIVA vector indicates that fluid gain occurred during the Giro d'Italia. This fluid gain was not reflected by body weight measurements and might be mainly attributed to muscle edema and/or haemodilution. Furthermore, power output and RPE, mostly depending on team tactic, were not affected by the body water increases.
authors.affiliation: a School of Medicine and Surgery , University of Milano-Bicocca , Monza , Italy.
authors.forename: Luca
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Pollastri
authors.affiliation: a School of Medicine and Surgery , University of Milano-Bicocca , Monza , Italy.
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Lanfranconi
authors.affiliation: a School of Medicine and Surgery , University of Milano-Bicocca , Monza , Italy.
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Tredici
authors.affiliation: b Department of Sport Science , University of Innsbruck , Innsbruck , Austria.|c Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine , EURAC research , Bolzano , Italy.
authors.forename: Kai
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Schenk
authors.affiliation: b Department of Sport Science , University of Innsbruck , Innsbruck , Austria.
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Burtscher
authors.affiliation: b Department of Sport Science , University of Innsbruck , Innsbruck , Austria.
authors.forename: Hannes
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Gatterer
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D056352:Athletes; D001642:Bicycling / Q000502:physiology*; D001834:Body Water / Q000502:physiology*; D001835:Body Weight; D017097:Electric Impedance; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology*
keywords: body composition; body water; endurance performance; hydration; race; ratings of perceived exertion