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Hydration StatusNCT07320313

Effects of Dehydration on Motor Skills, Attention, and Performance in Adolescent Football Players

A study testing Euhydration Protocol and Hypohydration Protocol in people with Hydration Status and Sport Performance, run by bekir tokay at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

This study aims to investigate how hydration status affects attention, motor competence, and football skills in adolescent male football players aged 13-14 years. Participants will complete standardized cognitive, motor, and sport-specific tests under two conditions: normal hydration (euhydration) and controlled… Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 13 to 14 years, men onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
Conditions the study is for
Hydration Status, Sport Performance, Football
What is being tested?
Euhydration Protocol and Hypohydration Protocol
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
75 participants
Where
1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
Study dates
23 Jan 2025to 30 Apr 2025
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 13 to 14 years
  • Men only
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Child

Who may be able to join

  • Male sex (to avoid hormonal variability related to the menstrual cycle)
  • Voluntary participation
  • Age between 13 and 14 years
  • Similar sporting background (regular football training and competition experience)
  • No chronic or metabolic disease
  • No respiratory or renal disease
Show all 9Show fewer
  • No medical condition requiring fluid restriction
  • Not taking any medications or dietary supplements (e.g., vitamins, minerals, creatine, protein)
  • No recent history of injury

Who cannot join

  • Outside the specified age range
  • Female sex
  • Diagnosis of chronic/metabolic, respiratory, or renal disease
  • Regular use of medication, diuretics, or dietary supplements (e.g., vitamins, - minerals, creatine, protein)
  • Medical condition requiring fluid intake restriction
  • Not engaged in sports or without a football background
  • Recent injury history

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
  • Faculty of Sports Sciences

    Uşak, Uşak, 64200

Other trials in Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Official title: The Invisible Threat in Football: Dehydration Impairs Motor Competence, Attention, and Technical Skills in Adolescent Football Players

This study aims to investigate how hydration status affects attention, motor competence, and football skills in adolescent male football players aged 13-14 years. Participants will complete standardized cognitive, motor, and sport-specific tests under two conditions: normal hydration (euhydration) and controlled dehydration (hypohydration). Hydration levels will be assessed using urine colour and body mass measurements, while attention and motor skills will be evaluated with validated tools. The study seeks to understand the impact of fluid balance on physical and cognitive performance in young athletes, without altering their usual routines.

Read the detailed description

This comparative, quasi-randomised, counterbalanced, repeated-measures study investigates the effects of hydration status on cognitive function, motor competence, and football skills in adolescent male football players aged 13-14 years. A pilot study with 15 participants was conducted to determine effect size (Cohen's d = 0.43) and assess feasibility, confirming that a minimum of 73 participants would be required for the main study.

Seventy-five participants met strict inclusion criteria, including voluntary participation, no chronic or metabolic diseases, and a homogeneous sporting background. Participants had a mean age of 13 ± 1 years, height of 148 ± 5 cm, weight of 42 ± 5 kg, and BMI of 19.1 ± 1.2 kg/m². Most trained 8-10 hours per week and had 3-4 years of competitive football experience.

Each participant was tested under two hydration conditions: euhydration and hypohydration. In the euhydration condition, participants maintained regular fluid intake for 12 hours prior to testing and consumed 500 ml of water with a standardised breakfast. Hydration status was verified using first-morning urine samples and Armstrong's eight-point urine colour scale. In the hypohydration condition, participants underwent controlled fluid restriction and a treadmill walking protocol to achieve a 2-3% body mass loss. Pre- and post-exercise body weight and urine measurements were used to quantify hypohydration.

Following each testing session, participants completed the d2 Attention Test, the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency - Short Form (BOT-2 SF), and a structured football skill test assessing passing, dribbling, and shooting accuracy. All procedures were performed under supervision in controlled environmental conditions, with scheduled rest intervals to prevent fatigue and ensure safety. Secondary checks included urine strip tests, while perceived exertion and local muscle discomfort were monitored continuously.

The study design allows for within-subject comparisons across hydration conditions to determine how fluid balance affects attention, motor skills, and sport-specific performance in adolescent athletes. Data will be analyzed to provide insights into the relationship between hydration and physical-cognitive performance in young football players, with implications for training and competition strategies.

Being tested
Euhydration Protocol, Hypohydration Protocol
Keywords
Hypohydration, Adolescents, Football, Motor Competence, Attention, Technical Skills

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Euhydration ProtocolBehavioural

    Also called Hydration Maintenance Protocol, Normal Hydration Condition

    Participants maintained their habitual fluid intake for 12 hours prior to testing, approximately 1.5-2.0 L ad libitum throughout the day and night, and consumed 500 mL of water with a standardized breakfast approximately two hours before the test. Participants were instructed to refrain from urinating during the 30 minutes preceding testing. Hydration status was verified using first-morning urine colour assessed on Armstrong's 8-point scale (target range 1-2) and pre-test body mass measurements. Cognitive, motor, and football skill performance were subsequently evaluated under these euhydrated conditions using the d2 Attention Test, BOT-2 SF, and a structured football skill test, respectively.

  • Hypohydration ProtocolBehavioural

    Also called Fluid Restriction + Exercise-Induced Dehydration Protocol

    Participants underwent a hypohydration protocol beginning with fluid restriction from 17:00 on the day prior to testing, with no fluid consumption overnight, and a low-fluid breakfast on the morning of the session. Hypohydration was induced via supervised treadmill walking for approximately 45 ± 5 minutes at ~5.5 km/h with a 5% incline under moderate environmental conditions. No fluids were allowed during exercise, and body mass was measured every 10 minutes. Treadmill duration and intensity were individually adjusted until participants achieved a target body mass loss of 2-3%. Hydration status was confirmed via pre- and post-exercise urine colour and body mass measurements, with urine strip tests applied as a secondary verification. Following a 15-minute seated recovery period with consumption of low-water snacks, participants completed the d2 Attention Test, BOT-2 SF, and football skill test under hypohydrated conditions. Safety was continuously monitored via heart rate, Borg RPE sca

Study groups in NCT07320313
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Euhydration ConditionExperimentalParticipants completed the euhydration condition first. They maintained habitual fluid intake for approximately 12 hours prior to testing, consuming 1.5-2.0 litres of water ad libitum during the day and night. On the morning of testing, a standardized breakfast was consumed along with 500 ml of water approximately two hours before testing. Participants were instructed not to urinate during the final 30 minutes prior to the session. Hydration status was verified using first-morning urine samples assessed via Armstrong's eight-point urine colour chart (target 1-2) and pre-test body mass measurements. Once classified as adequately hydrated, participants completed the d2 Attention Test, the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency - Short Form (BOT-2 SF), and a structured football skill test. Attention and motor tests were conducted indoors, followed by the football skill test on an outdoor pitch. All testing was performed under supervision, with small participant groups to ensure st
Receives: Behavioral: Euhydration Protocol
Hypohydration ConditionExperimentalAfter completing the euhydration condition and following a minimum 48-hour washout period, the same participants completed the hypohydration condition. Fluid intake was restricted beginning at 17:00 the day before testing, with no fluids overnight, and a low-fluid breakfast was provided on the morning of the session. Hypohydration was induced via a controlled treadmill walking protocol, with speed and duration individually adjusted to achieve 2-3% body mass loss. Participants were continuously monitored for heart rate, perceived exertion (Borg 6-20 scale), and localized muscle discomfort. Body mass was measured every 10 minutes, and fluid intake was not permitted during exercise. Hydration status was confirmed via pre- and post-exercise urine colour and body mass measurements, with urine strip tests as a secondary check. After a 15-minute seated recovery and consumption of low-water snacks, participants repeated the d2 Attention Test, BOT-2 SF, and football skill test under hypohydrat
Receives: Behavioral: Hypohydration Protocol

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Body Mass Index (BMI)

    Body mass index (BMI) was calculated using height and body weight measurements obtained at baseline. Height was measured once at baseline using a standard stadiometer, and body weight was measured immediately prior to any exercise or fluid manipulation using a calibrated scale with ±50 g precision (InBody 120). BMI was calculated as body weight (kg) divided by height squared (m²).

    Measured: Baseline (single assessment during one laboratory visit prior to any exercise or hydration manipulation)

  2. Hydration status assessed using urine color

    Hydration status was assessed using first-morning urine samples (50-60 mL) collected prior to exercise and immediately following the exercise-induced dehydration protocol. Urine samples were analyzed using Armstrong's eight-point urine color chart. Urine color values of 1-2 indicated euhydration, whereas values of 5-6 indicated moderate hypohydration.

    Measured: Baseline (first-morning urine sample) and immediately post-exercise (within 5 minutes after completion of treadmill exercise), assessed during a single test day

  3. Hydration Status via Body Mass Loss

    Exercise-induced body mass loss was used as an objective indicator of hydration status. Body weight was measured immediately before exercise and again within 5 minutes after completion of the treadmill protocol. Percentage hypohydration was calculated as the percentage change in body mass relative to baseline body weight. A body mass loss of 2-3% was considered indicative of significant hypohydration.

    Measured: Baseline (pre-exercise body weight) and immediately post-exercise (within 5 minutes after completion of treadmill exercise), assessed during a single laboratory visit

  4. Perceived Exertion and Muscle Discomfort

    Perceived exertion was assessed using Borg's 6-20 Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale, and localized muscle discomfort was monitored through direct observation, particularly in the lower limbs. Ratings were recorded at regular 10-minute intervals during the treadmill protocol to ensure participant safety and to monitor subjective fatigue.

    Measured: From start of treadmill exercise until completion of the exercise protocol (up to 60 minutes), assessed during a single laboratory visit

Secondary outcomes (3)
  1. d2 Attention Test

    Selective attention, processing speed, concentration, and attentional stability were assessed using the d2 Attention Test. Primary outcome parameters included total number of items processed (TN), error percentage (%E), concentration performance (CP), fluctuation rate (FR), and net performance (TN-E).

    Measured: Post-exercise recovery period, assessed once between 8 and 15 minutes after completion of treadmill exercise during a single test day

  2. Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency - Short Form (BOT-2 SF)

    Motor competence was assessed using the BOT-2 Short Form, evaluating fine motor skills, gross motor skills, and combined motor performance across eight subtests. The test is validated and reliable for children aged 13-14 years.

    Measured: Post-exercise recovery period, assessed once between 15 and 30 minutes after completion of treadmill exercise during a single test day

  3. Football Skill Test

    Football-specific technical skills, including passing, dribbling, and shooting, were assessed using a standardized football skill test conducted on a pre-marked field. Performance was quantified using total task completion time, with a one-second penalty applied for each technical error. Three trials were performed, and mean performance time was calculated.

    Measured: Post-exercise recovery period, assessed once between 30 and 45 minutes after completion of treadmill exercise during a single test day

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted6 Jan 2026
  2. Study start23 Jan 2025
  3. Primary completion23 Jan 2025
  4. Study completion30 Apr 2025

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Basic science
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Crossover
Model description
This is a randomized crossover trial in which all participants undergo both the euhydration and hypohydration conditions. The order of the conditions is counterbalanced to minimize order effects, and each participant serves as their own control.
Masking
None (open label)
Enrolment
75 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07320313
Sponsor's protocol ID
548-548-10
Status last verified
Dec 2025
First submitted
21 Sep 2025
Last updated
6 Jan 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Euhydration Protocol and Hypohydration Protocol in people with Hydration Status and Sport Performance, run by bekir tokay at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 9 inclusion and 7 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 6 Jan 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Body Mass Index (BMI) (time frame: Baseline (single assessment during one laboratory visit prior to any exercise or hydration manipulation)). The study lists 4 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 6 Jan 2026.

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