Location
Turner Gymnasium
Access Type
Campus Access Only
Presentation Type
Printed poster
Entry Number
37
Start Date
4-16-2026 12:00 PM
End Date
4-16-2026 1:15 PM
School
School of Medicine and Health Sciences
Department
Athletic Training
Keywords
Division III collegiate athletes, hydration habits, University of Lynchburg
Abstract
Hydration Habits of DIII Athletes at The University of Lynchburg
Context: Division III collegiate athletes face the challenge of managing their intricate hydration and refueling needs alongside their rigorous schedules, as the lack of resources and limited dining choices on campus significantly jeopardize their health and athletic performance.
Objective: To determine whether schools of Division III athletes provide adequate access to essential resources and support by analyzing their daily hydration habits, particularly
Design: By employing a grounded narrative approach in a qualitative, explanatory, and descriptive study, we will explore the intricate lived experiences and circumstances, offering a fresh perspective on the hydration challenges faced by this population.
Setting: Collegiate athletic programs will be the focus of our investigation.
Patients or Other Participants: Focusing on a sample of roughly 20 Division III athletes who are volunteers and currently engaged in sports in the ODAC.
Data Collection and Analysis: An online Google Forms questionnaire comprising demographic and open-ended questions will be used to gather data. The qualitative analysis will concentrate on the trends and obstacles found in the athletes' reflections.
Results: Three key themes were identified: (1) the distinction between reactive and proactive thirst, where fluid intake was mainly influenced by physical feelings of dehydration instead of intentional hydration strategies; (2) the "water supremacy bias," which involved an overdependence on water without adequate electrolyte or carbohydrate intake; and (3) a reliance on visual feedback, where athletes assessed their hydration status primarily through the color of their urine.
Conclusion: The results indicate a notable disparity between athletes' understanding and the standards of clinical performance, largely influenced by institutional obstacles and a reactive approach to hydration. It is evident that D3 institutions must establish structural support, including hydration stations and/or specialized guidance, to help athletes transition to proactive, performance-oriented strategies.
Keywords: Division III collegiate athletes, hydration habits, University of Lynchburg.
Primary Faculty Mentor(s)
Tom Bowman
Primary Faculty Mentor(s) Department
Athletic Training Research Methods and design
Rights Statement
The right to download or print any portion of this material is granted by the copyright owner only for personal or educational use. The author/creator retains all proprietary rights, including copyright ownership. Any editing, other reproduction or other use of this material by any means requires the express written permission of the copyright owner. Except as provided above, or for any other use that is allowed by fair use (Title 17, §107 U.S.C.), you may not reproduce, republish, post, transmit or distribute any material from this web site in any physical or digital form without the permission of the copyright owner of the material.
Hydration Habits of DIII Athletes at The University of Lynchburg
Turner Gymnasium
Hydration Habits of DIII Athletes at The University of Lynchburg
Context: Division III collegiate athletes face the challenge of managing their intricate hydration and refueling needs alongside their rigorous schedules, as the lack of resources and limited dining choices on campus significantly jeopardize their health and athletic performance.
Objective: To determine whether schools of Division III athletes provide adequate access to essential resources and support by analyzing their daily hydration habits, particularly
Design: By employing a grounded narrative approach in a qualitative, explanatory, and descriptive study, we will explore the intricate lived experiences and circumstances, offering a fresh perspective on the hydration challenges faced by this population.
Setting: Collegiate athletic programs will be the focus of our investigation.
Patients or Other Participants: Focusing on a sample of roughly 20 Division III athletes who are volunteers and currently engaged in sports in the ODAC.
Data Collection and Analysis: An online Google Forms questionnaire comprising demographic and open-ended questions will be used to gather data. The qualitative analysis will concentrate on the trends and obstacles found in the athletes' reflections.
Results: Three key themes were identified: (1) the distinction between reactive and proactive thirst, where fluid intake was mainly influenced by physical feelings of dehydration instead of intentional hydration strategies; (2) the "water supremacy bias," which involved an overdependence on water without adequate electrolyte or carbohydrate intake; and (3) a reliance on visual feedback, where athletes assessed their hydration status primarily through the color of their urine.
Conclusion: The results indicate a notable disparity between athletes' understanding and the standards of clinical performance, largely influenced by institutional obstacles and a reactive approach to hydration. It is evident that D3 institutions must establish structural support, including hydration stations and/or specialized guidance, to help athletes transition to proactive, performance-oriented strategies.
Keywords: Division III collegiate athletes, hydration habits, University of Lynchburg.