GLUCOSE SUPPLEMENTATION NOT NEEDED TO MAINTAIN THERMOREGULATION AFTER EXERCISING IN THE HEAT

Feeback, M. R., Kakos, L. S., Burns, K., Haught, N., Peacock, C., Pollock, B., Rebold, M., Seo, Y., Gunstad, J., & Glickman, E. L. (2013). The role of glucose and non-glucose containing beverages on rehydration. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 45(5), Supplement abstract number 312.

red line

This investigation examined the effects of glucose and non-glucose, electrolyte-based drinks on rehydration and physiological markers after exercising in 37°C for 90 minutes in males (N = 10). Ss were asked to exercise on a cycle ergometer in a 37°C, 50% humidity environment inducing dehydration of ~2% of the S’s body weight. The physiological markers of rectal and skin temperature, blood glucose, and oxygen uptake were measured directly after the completion of the exercise bout (“dehydrated” time-point). At the completion of the protracted exercise, Ss were administered either a glucose or non-glucose containing electrolyte-based sports drink ad libitum for 30 minutes. Post-rehydration process, the same physiological markers were measured at the rehydration time-point; rectal and core temperature, blood glucose, and oxygen uptake.

There were no significant differences on any recorded physiological marker between the two conditions at the “dehydrated” time-point. Ss consumed equal amounts of the glucose and non-glucose containing beverages in the rehydration stage. After consuming the beverage, significant differences in the two trials emerged for blood glucose and oxygen uptake at the “rehydrated” time-point. There were no differences in rectal or skin temperatures.

Implication. The ingestion of a beverage containing glucose during rehydration is not needed to maintain thermoregulation after prolonged exercise in the heat.

Return to Table of Contents for this issue.

red line