DEHYDRATION DISTURBS MOOD STATES

Schoffstall, J. (2006). Effects of dehydration and rehydration on the Profile of Mood States of weight trained males. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 38(5), Supplement abstract 1544.

This study determine the effects of dehydration and rehydration on the Profile of Mood States (POMS) of weight trained males (N = 10). Ss were passively dehydrated in a sauna by 1.5% of their bodyweight. Testing occurred on two days separated by one week. The subjects were randomly assigned to begin their testing with either the A or B protocol. In the A protocol, the POMS test was administered at 0, 10, 60, and 180 minutes, all of which were in a euhydrated state. In the B protocol, the POMS test was administered at the 0 minutes, 10 minutes (in a euhydrated state), 60 minutes (in a dehydrated state), and at 180 minutes (in a rehydrated state).

During all of protocol A, and the first two measurements of protocol B there were no significant differences. Following dehydration, systolic blood pressure and Vigor decreased significantly, and hematocrit, specific gravity of urine, hemoglobin, and POMS measurements for Tension, Depression, Anger, Fatigue, Confusion, and Total Mood Disturbance increased significantly. Following rehydration, core temperature, heart rate, hemoglobin, specific gravity of urine, hematocrit, and the POMS measurements for Tension, Depression, Anger, Fatigue, Confusion, and Total Mood Disturbance decreased significantly and Vigor increased significantly.

Implication. Passive dehydration adversely influenced the Ss' POMS responses, which may in part be attributed to the negative physiological effects of the dehydration process. POMS scores returned to near normal levels after two hours of rest accompanied by rehydration.

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