Exploring Hydration Strategies: A Preliminary Comparison of Fluid Administration Methods in Collegiate Football Players

Authors

Emily E. Lodge, The Ohio State UniversityFollow
Gillian Romanchok, Youngstown State UniversityFollow
Isabella M. FarmerFollow
Kimberly Schwabenbauer, Pennsylvania Western UniversityFollow
Rich Patterson, Pennsylvania Western UniversityFollow

Abstract

Introduction: Maintaining optimal hydration is critical for athletic performance and preventing heat-related illness, particularly among football players who face elevated risk due to heavy protective equipment and intense physical demands. As core body temperature and heart rate increases, physiological strain causes are directly correlated with the severity of body water deficit. Dehydration levels exceeding 2% of body weight significantly impair both aerobic performance capacity and cognitive ability. Purpose: Therefore, the purpose of this research is to investigate whether fluid consumption among collegiate football players differs based on administration methods (self-administration versus athletic trainer administration) during practice sessions. Methods: Twenty male NCAA Division I football players (ages 18-24) participated in a within-subjects design study. Participants were randomly assigned to either self-administration or athletic trainer (AT) administration methods on consecutive days. During practice, when participants indicated thirst, they received a 32-ounce water bottle and consumed fluid either through self-administration (ad libitum) or AT administration (fluid squeezed directly into mouth until signaled to stop). Fluid consumption was measured using standardized protocols. Results: Results indicate that self-administration resulted in significantly higher fluid consumption compared to AT administration (7.93 ± 5.14 ounces vs. 3.10 ± 0.55 ounces). A paired-samples t-test revealed a statistically significant mean difference of 4.83 ounces (t₁₉ = 4.30, p < .001) with a large effect size (Cohen's d = 0.961). Self-administration volumes (7.9 ounces) exceeded National Athletic Trainers' Association recommendations of 6.8 ounces every 15-20 minutes, while AT administration (3.1 ounces) fell substantially short. Conclusion: These findings suggest that hydration protocols prioritizing self-regulated fluid intake may be more effective for meeting collegiate football players' hydration needs.

Author Bio(s)

Emily Lodge, LAT, ATC is an athletic trainer with Athletic Training Solutions. She completed a certified internship with The Ohio State University track & field team. Emily received her B.S. in Nutrition & Fitness from Pennsylvania Western University - Clarion, and her M.S. in Athletic Training from Pennsylvania Western University - California.

Gillian Romanchok, LAT, ATC is an athletic trainer at Youngstown State University, with primary coverage of women's Soccer and tennis. Gillian received her B.S. in Nutrition & Fitness from Pennsylvania Western University - Clarion, and her M.S. in Athletic Training from Pennsylvania Western University - California.

Isabella M Farmer received her B.S. in Health Sciences and her M.S. in Athletic Training from Pennsylvania Western University - California.

Kimberly Schwabenbauer DHSc, RDN, CSSD is a Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist and a board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics. She is an Associate Professor of Exercise Science at Pennsylvania Western University.

Rich Patterson, DAT, LAT, ATC is an Associate Professor and Program Director of the Master of Science in Athletic Training at Pennsylvania Western University.

Recommended Citation

Lodge EE, Romanchok G, Farmer IM, Schwabenbauer K, Patterson R. Exploring Hydration Strategies: A Preliminary Comparison of Fluid Administration Methods in Collegiate Football Players. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2026 Mar 03;24(1), Article 4.