The players on average received 1.5 liters of fluid an average of 2.5 hours before game time, and muscle cramps were the most commonly cited reason for hyperhydration with IVF. However, the primary reason for administering hyperhydration was player request.
Of the 27 head athletic trainers who reported using hyperhydration with IVF, 48 percent reported complications during the 2009-2010 season. Complications include superficial venus clots, air embolus, pulmonary edema, peripheral edema, provider needle stick and arterial puncture. Two teams reported a mental dependence in players who requested IVF before every game.
Nineteen of the 27 athletic trainers felt that hyperhydration with IVF was effective or very effective to prevent muscle cramps, heat illness and dehydration. Eight athletic trainers felt the process improved the team’s overall performance.
Read the abstract about hyperhydration.
Read Articles Related to Sports Medicine for NFL Players:
Study: NFL Players Often Return-to-Play After Lumbar Discectomy
The NFL Charities Gives $1.6M to Various Sports-Related Research Projects
NFL Players Most Likely to Strain Hamstrings During the Preseason
