Lamb, D. R., Lightfoot, W. S., & Myhal, M. (1997). Prehydration with glycerol does not improve cycling performance vs. 6% CHO-electrolyte drink. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 29(5), Supplement abstract 1419.

"Ingestion of carbohydrate (CHO) solutions before and during endurance exercise often improves performance vs. placebo; prehydration with glycerol solutions may have a similar effect, presumably by expanding plasma volume." (p. S249)

Ss (N = 13) were male trained cyclists. It was found that glycerol prehydration offered no apparent physiological or performance advantage over prehydration with 6% CHO.

Implication. Use of glycerol as a pre-performance hydration substance provides no benefits that cannot be achieved with a common CHO drink.

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