Water versus carbohydrate-electrolyte fluid replacement during loaded marching under heat stress

Mil Med. 2005 Aug;170(8):715-21. doi: 10.7205/milmed.170.8.715.

Abstract

This study compared the effectiveness of carbohydrate-electrolyte (CHO-E) fluid replacement versus water (WAT) on hydration status, physiological and subjective responses, and exercise performance during a 3 x 60-minute loaded (14 kg) treadmill walk in 35 degrees C ambient temperature and 55% humidity. CHO-E did not affect urine loss, plasma volume change (WAT = -3.0 +/- 1.6% vs. CHO-E = -1.1 +/- 1.6%), dehydration (WAT = 0.4 +/- 0.3% vs. CHO-E = 0.4 +/- 0.3% of body mass), or core body temperature (Tc) and heart rate (HR) responses. Endurance time was greater but not significantly different with CHO-E (WAT = 134 +/- 9 vs. CHO-E = 146 +/- 9 minutes). CHO-E increased the frequency of task completion (WAT = 21% vs. CHO-E = 50%), elevated blood glucose, and reduced perceived exertion. CHO-E offers potential to enhance exercise capacity by elevating blood glucose and thereby preventing hypoglycemia, maintaining high rates of carbohydrate oxidation, and/or preventing central fatigue; but provided no additional benefits with regard to hydration status and physiological function during loaded walking under heat stress.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Blood Glucose / analysis
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Heat Stress Disorders / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Isotonic Solutions / administration & dosage*
  • Male
  • Physical Endurance / physiology
  • Physical Exertion / physiology*
  • Singapore
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Walking / physiology*
  • Water / administration & dosage*
  • Water-Electrolyte Balance

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Isotonic Solutions
  • gatorade
  • Water