Church, T. S., Stewart, G. W., Kay, J., Obermeyer, C., & Kirby, G. S. (1999). The effects of heat induced dehydration and IV fluid rehydration on plasma viscosity and the intrinsic ability of blood to deliver oxygen. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 31(5), Supplement abstract 143.

This investigation studied the effect of heat exhaustion and subsequent IVF administration on plasma viscosity and RBC transport efficiency. Male collegiate athletes (N = 8) deemed to be in need of IVF (intravenous feeding of 2 liters) due to heat exhaustion served as Ss while a healthy group of similarly aged individuals (N = 10) served as control Ss.

Exhausted Ss had elevated plasma viscosity and reduced RBC transport efficiency when compared to control Ss. These phenomena were reversed to match control Ss' values after IVF.

Implication. Intravenous fluid replacement for heat exhausted athletes improves plasma viscosity and the ability of the blood to deliver oxygen to appropriate tissues.

Return to Table of Contents for this issue.