Kavouras, S. A., Casa, D. J., Herrera, J. A., Hacker, F. T., Scheelt, T. P., Armstrong, L. E., Mack, G. W., & Maresh, C. M. (1998). Rehydration with glycerol: Endocrine, cardiovascular, and thermoregulatory effects during exercise in 37 degrees Celsius. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 30(5), Supplement abstract 1890.

Male endurance-trained cyclists (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, glycerol followed by water, or water alone. Rehydration (3% of body weight) was given over an 80-minute period. Thirty minutes after rehydration Ss exercised to exhaustion in a hot (37 degrees Celsius) environment.

It was found that glycerol had little or no effect on fluid regulating factors during rehydration or exercise. Improved performance under the glycerol condition was probably due to a greater plasma volume during exercise.

Implication. Glycerol can benefit performance after rehydration by stimulating greater plasma volume.

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