Rates of fluid ingestion alter pacing but not thermoregulatory responses during prolonged exercise in hot and humid conditions with appropriate convective cooling

Eur J Appl Physiol. 2009 Jan;105(1):69-80. doi: 10.1007/s00421-008-0876-6. Epub 2008 Oct 14.

Abstract

The aim of the study was to examine the effects of fluid replacement on thermoregulation and cycling performance in hot, humid conditions. Six male cyclists (PPO = 426 +/- 39 W) performed six 80 km time trials. Subjects replaced 0% (0); 33% (33); 66% (66); or 100% (100) of the weight lost during an "ad libitum" trial (Ad Lib). In another condition (WET), subjects rinsed their mouths at 10 km intervals. There was no trial effect on any thermoregulatory variables or on performance. When WET, 0, 33 ("LO") were compared to Ad Lib; 66, 100 ("HI"), power output was higher in HI (209 +/- 22 vs. 193 +/- 22 W, p < 0.05). Restricting fluid below ad libitum rates impaired performance (LO group). Rates greater than ad libitum did not result in further improvements. Ad libitum fluid ingestion is optimal as it prevents athletes from ingesting too little or too much fluid.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Body Temperature Regulation / physiology*
  • Dehydration / prevention & control
  • Exercise / physiology*
  • Fluid Therapy*
  • Humans
  • Humidity*
  • Male
  • Skin Temperature / physiology
  • Temperature