Fluid consumption during cycling as affected by role modeling

Fluid loss is an inevitable part of prolonged exercise. Psychophysiological stimuli for maintaining water balance are not adequate for immediate fluid replacement. Excess fluid loss may result in detriments to health and performance.

In the present study, observational learning techniques were examined as a way of stimulating fluid replacement. Subjects cycled for 60 min under two modeling conditions: one with a model who drank water heavily (approximately 100 ml every 10 min) and one with the same model who did not drink at all. The influence of the model was found to significantly (p < .01) increase fluid consumption of the subjects. While cycling with the model who drank heavily, subjects consumed an average of 258.7 ml. While cycling with the model who did not drink at all, subjects consumed an average of 161.6 ml.

The results are discussed in terms of the potential social influence on fluid consumption during cycling events such as long distance touring and century rides.