INTRODUCTION: Archery is a static sport that requires strength and resistance from the upper part of the body, and the skill of the archer is defined by the capacity to shoot the arrow on the target in an interval of time with accuracy. The muscle contraction generated during the performance of the sports gesture causes the increase in body temperature, glucose oxidation and the sweat loss, being able to be boosted by the climate conditions to which the athlete is exposed. These factors combined modify the effort perception and the proper strength generation, imposing hence stress negative to performance. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and to relate the hydration status of archery athletes to intervening physiological and strength alterations in the competitive performance. METHODS: 11 archers participated in two distinct competitions (indoor and outdoor). Parameters related to the hydration status, glycemia, subjective perceived exertion and alteration in handgrip were measured. RESULTS: The analyzed athletes presented significant alterations in the parameters related to their hydration on different days, probably related to the adverse weather conditions in the outdoor events(34ºC and 60%). The same situation was not observed for glycemia. CONCLUSION: This investigation is a pioneer in proving the straight relation between weather conditions and performance in high-level archers during competitive events, as well as evidencing which non-invasive methods would be recommended to assessment of the impact of these alterations.
archery; dehydration; handgrip; performance
