Abstract

The execution of a skill-based task relies on the collective use of both cognitive and motor skills. Dehydration impairs the ability to maintain thermoregulation and water balance during exercise, particularly in warm conditions, and has been found to inhibit cognitive function and motor skill performance. However, the numerical threshold at which dehydration incurs a decline in cognitive or motor skill performance is widely debated, despite the evidence that performance is impaired after a 1-2% body mass loss. The debate continues due to increasing evidence available from individuals who either possess automaticity of set skills or have acclimatised to dehydration through regular participation in sport, which helps to maintain cognition or motor skill performance. In addition, the use of a variety of pre-protocol methodologies, inconsistent psycho-physiological test batteries and varying athletic behaviours add inherent complexities to determine a general dehydration threshold. Thus, to understand the implications of dehydration on skill-based performance it is important to consider synergistic effects of all of these factors. The present review discusses currently available information on the effects of dehydration on cognitive and motor skills and their contribution to skill-based sporting performance. Verf.-Referat