Casa, D. J., Maresh, C. M. Armstrong, L. E., Kavouras, S. A., Herrera-Soto, J. A., Keith, N. R., Elliott, T. A., & Hacker, F. T. (1998). Intravenous versus oral rehydration during a brief period: Responses to subsequent exercise in the heat. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 30(5), Supplement abstract 1891.

Non-heat acclimated males (N = 8) completed three dehydration-rehydration trials which differed only with regard to the rehydration treatment. Before each experimental day, Ss dehydrated -4% of body weight by exercise and water restriction. Experimental treatments were: no fluid control, oral rehydration (drink) of water with 0.45% NaCl, or intravenous rehydration with a water and 0.45% NaCl. Exercise to exhaustion commenced when body weight had recovered to -2%.

No significant performance differences existed between the drink and intravenous conditions. Some physiological parameters were better maintained in the drink trial. Both forms of rehydration produced significant benefits over the control condition.

Implication. Aerobic performance is similar after drink or intravenous rehydration.

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