Several studies indicate the need of proper fluids replacement in order to prevent dehydration during exercise or competition. Soccer players and coaches tend to underestimate proper fluid replacement or to use standardized, average sweat rates from scientific literature in order to establish a hydration protocol. Aim: This study aimed to examine the possible differences in sweat rates between competition and training sessions during similar environmental conditions. Materials and methods: Eleven acclimatized professional soccer players (age:23,4±4,5 y, body mass:74,4±7 kg, fat:8,1±2,2%) participated in this study. Sweat rates were estimated individually, using measured weight change (post-pre) and fluid consumption during game (Temperature:23-25 oC, Humidity:58±4%), moderate to high intensity training (Ttemperature:23-25 oC Humidity:58±4%), and moderate intensity training (Temperature:25-28 oC, Humidity: 62±3%). Results: Sweat rates during game (3.2±0.8 lt) were significantly higher compared to sweat rates during moderate to high intensity training (1.3±0.7 lt) in the same environmental conditions (p< 0.01, t=12.2, df=7) and to sweat rates during moderate intensity training (1.2±0.4 lt) in higher temperature and humidity (p<0.01, t=9.7 df=8). On the other hand no statistically significant differences were found between sweat rates during different trainings in slightly different environmental conditions. Conclusions: 1.Sweat loses during game should be estimated individually during occasions as they are significantly higher than those estimated during practice. 2. Slight differences in intensity of training and environmental conditions do not produce statistically significant variations in sweat rates
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