A handheld conductivity meter can give an athlete insight into his or urine osmolality, which reflects the body's hydration status. This can help the athlete adjust fluid intakes to avoid extremes of hydration.
People at risk for becoming dehydrated:
(1) strenuous exercise
(2) exercise in hot weather
(3) intentional dehydration to control weight
(4) failure to ingest sufficient fluids
The conductivity meter was a Sparta 5 meter which has 5 readings:
Meter Reading
Conductivity
Osmolality
1
< 10 µS/cm
< 341 mOsm/kg H2O
2
10 - 15 µS/cm
341 - 510 mOsm/kg H2O
3
15 - 21 µS/cm
510 - 716 mOsm/kg H2O
4
21 - 25 µS/cm
716 - 852 mOsm/kg H2O
5
> 25 µS/cm
> 852 m Osm/kg H2O
If the breakpoints are plugged into Minitab:
urine osmolality =
= (34.10 * (conductivity value)) - 0.549
In the study early morning urines were monitored. The readings should apply throughout the day.
A reading of 15-21 µS/cm is associated with normal hydration.
A reading > 21 µS/cm is associated with dehydration.
A reading < 15 µS/cm would be associated with overhydration.
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