CRONKITE SPORTS

Don’t sweat it? Actually, Northern Arizona Suns say, ‘Please do’

Nov 2, 2018, 5:26 PM | Updated: 5:46 pm

Northern Arizona Suns player A.J. Mosby tries to rehydrate during practice. (Photo courtesy Jake Wi...

Northern Arizona Suns player A.J. Mosby tries to rehydrate during practice. (Photo courtesy Jake Withee)

(Photo courtesy Jake Withee)

PRESCOTT VALLEY — Gatorade is doing more than just lending its name to the NBA G League.

The sports drink giant also is helping the league’s athletes improve their performance by partnering with teams — including the Northern Arizona Suns — to conduct “sweat tests” that measure sweat loss.

The tests can determine how dehydrated G League players are during practice or games so that they can avoid dehydration and the loss of electrolytes, which impair performance.

Studies have shown athletes need guidelines in this area. A 2016 study in the International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism reported that, when left to their own devices, 32 percent of collegiate athletes started exercise in a dehydrated state and more than 40 percent finished dehydrated.

Bridget Sopeña, Gatorade Sports Institute scientist, said Gatorade’s mission is to demonstrate to athletes how dehydration can impact their performance.

“Basketball players tend to see their performance decrease when they hit greater than 2 percent dehydrated,” she said. “So, we want to provide a test called ‘sweat test’ to all of the G League players in order to help prevent them from becoming dehydrated during their practice and games.”

The “sweat test” involves applying an absorbent pad to both of the athlete’s forearms before practice. The amount of sweat absorbed by the pads varies from athlete to athlete and can be used to help determine their sweat rate.

A portable sodium analyzer with the athlete’s sweat sample produces immediate feedback.

NAZ Suns guard Peter Jok finds the experiment beneficial.

“I personally sweat a lot, so it’s great to know how to stay hydrated,” he said. “Getting this information from Gatorade will help me a lot as a player and for my team. … We did this test last year during the games. My focus is to get my body healthy and reach the next level.”

After players take the Gatorade sweat test, the team’s training staff can provide guidance to help them learn how a proper diet and sufficient hydration will improve their performance on the court.

It isn’t just about drinking enough water.

“Gatorade has sodium, which is the key electrolyte that is lost in sweat, and it also has carbohydrates that are used when athletes are exercising,” Sopeña said. “(Carbohydrates are) the main source of energy, and help them perform during a full game.”

The tests, when combined  with other information that is collected, provide guidelines for maintaining proper fluid and sodium levels to optimize performance.

“Fluid balance measurement, that consists of weighing the athlete before and after exercise, ideally in a high-intensity practice or game,” Sopeña said, adding that everything the athlete consumes during a practice or game also is measured, resulting in a “personalized check” of the athlete’s fluid and sodium levels.

It is valuable information in Arizona’s heat and at Prescott Valley’s elevation, where the Northern Arizona Suns practice and play at more than 5,000 feet above sea level. Heat and thin air increase fluid loss, leading to dehydration.

“Coming to the higher altitudes here in Arizona has affected my dehydration, and I want to maintain my strength and not feel so tired,” said NAZ guard Daxter Miles Jr. “From West Virginia to Arizona, there is a huge difference. Now I’ve started to intake more water to improve my performance.”

Forward Derek Cooke Jr. agreed.

“Gatorade has given me the resources to better my endurance by giving us these types of tests, to help build us to the next level of performance,” he said.

Coach Bret Burchard is on board with the Gatorade testing because hydration, recuperation and nutrition are a huge part of the lives of athletes trying to succeed in professional basketball.

And it takes a lot of sweat to get there.

Cronkite Sports

Cronkite Sports

Sports gambling in Arizona moves closer to reality

In the near future, the Arizona sports fan’s experience could include the ability to place bets inside sports venues while the action unfolds.

3 years ago

Higley quarterback Kai Millner committed to Cal this spring, despite visiting the campus just once ...

Cronkite Sports

Arizona high school football recruits still committing amid coronavirus

Despite visiting campuses few times if at all in some cases, class of 2021 high school football prospects from Arizona are committing at record rates.

4 years ago

(Photo via Cronkite News courtesy Mesa Community College Facebook)...

Arizona Sports

COVID-19 prompts junior colleges to push for cancellation of sports

The 2020-21 school year for Maricopa County community colleges may not include sports, schools await a decision by the district chancellor.

4 years ago

New Coyotes President and CEO Xavier Gutierrez believes outreach in the Arizona Hispanic market is ...

Cronkite Sports

New Coyotes CEO Xavier A. Gutierrez looks to reach Latino community

New Coyotes CEO Xavier A. Gutierrez is the first Latino president and CEO in NHL history and hopes to reach new fans in the Valley.

4 years ago

Shatori Walker-Kimbrough, who joined the Phoenix Mercury in the offseason, is ready to get the WNBA...

Cronkite Sports

Full pay, 22-game season in Florida on tap for Phoenix Mercury

Another league has agreed on a return-to-play plan in the month of July. This time it’s the WNBA, whose members include the Phoenix Mercury.

4 years ago

Phoenix Rising FC assistant coaches Peter Ramage (left) and Blair Gavin are awaiting details about ...

Cronkite Sports

Phoenix Rising players await news on resumption of USL Championship

Phoenix Rising FC and the USL Championship are set to resume play July 11 while players wait on more details for the return.

4 years ago

Don’t sweat it? Actually, Northern Arizona Suns say, ‘Please do’