Research summary · Hydration and heat
Thirst, heat strain and cognition during exercise
A crossover experiment separates thirst sensation from hydration status by comparing oral water with matched intravenous saline during prolonged cycling in heat.
- Publication year
- 2026
- First published online
- Publication type
- Randomized crossover trial
- Journal
- Nutrition and Health
- Population / context
- Male endurance exercise participants · Cycling in heat
What the publication reports
Twelve men cycled for 90 minutes at 55% VO₂max in 35°C before a 12-km time trial. Hydration markers were similar, but the intravenous condition produced more thirst, perceived concentration difficulty and subjective thermal strain; executive-function and mood measures did not differ.
Limits and interpretation
The invasive laboratory comparison involved only 12 men and measured acute perceptions and test performance. It does not establish a general performance benefit from any specific drinking strategy.
Read the source
Consult the original record for the full author list, methods, references, funding and competing-interest disclosures.
A randomized trial on thirst satiation during exercise in the heat: Effects on thermal strain, perceived concentration, and executive function
Original publication / indexed recordPMID: 42720543DOI: 10.1177/02601060261486093Reader discussion
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