Sweat Test
Gaining accurate measures of the contents of an athlete’s sweat and how much sweat they lose during exercise is integral to determining the overall effectiveness of the athlete’s hydration and nutrition practices. GSSI scientists use the Sweat Test to measure the amount of fluid an athlete sweats during a given period of exercise under standard conditions of exercise intensity, duration, clothing, and environment.
In addition to measuring the amount of sweat lost during the testing procedures, GSSI researchers also measure athletes’ sweat electrolyte concentrations by placing small absorbent patches on the their skin. At the conclusion of the exercise protocol, the patches are removed and placed in a centrifuge, where they are analyzed for electrolyte content. These findings allow the researchers to inform athletes of their sweat rates, the electrolyte content of their sweat, and recommend any adjustments that need to be made in order to prevent dehydration and cramping.
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