Post-exercise rehydration in man: comparison between water and carbonated drink

Abstract

Effects of fluids (water and carbonated drink) provided for rehydration after muscular exercise were compared in 12 male subjects (19 – 30 yrs). The muscular exercise involved two cycling sessions T1 and T2 on bicycle ergometer. Recovery period of one hour was allowed for complete absorption of water after T1 before starting T2 after which the carbonated drink was used. Cardiovascular responses [heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP)], body weight, haematocrit, plasma volume, haemoglobin concentration and subjective feelings were determined before exercise and after fluid rehydration. Subjects were dehydrated by 0.8 ± 0.4% (p < 0.05) of their body weight. There were no significant differences when the effects of the fluids were compared except for SPB (p < 0.02) and HR (p < 0.001) for water and carbonated drink respectively. We conclude, therefore, that either of the two fluids can be used after exercise.