THE EFFECTS OF HYDRATION STATUS ON HEART RATE AND BODY TEMPERATURE DURING A 30 MINUTE CYCLE WITH THE PRIOR CONSUMPTION OF LUCOZADE LITE

Abstract

The current research on pre-hydration status over short duration exercise is limited despite the potential detrimental affects caused by poor hydration. The purpose of this study was to test if an improved pre-hydration status would reduce heart rate and body temperature throughout a 30 minute cycle. Participants included 11 male and female sport students (age = 20 ± 1 year, height = 170.2 ± 5.9 cm and body mass = 66.55 ± 4.10 kg). Participants were required to repeat the cycle, one of which was after the consumption of a sports drink (Lucozade Lite). Urine samples were collected prior and post the bout of exercise and tested to measure osmolality. Body mass was recorded immediately prior and post the cycle to help ascertain sweat rates. During the cycle heart rate was recorded throughout and body temperature was collected every 10 minutes. The results showed no significant difference (p > 0.05) between heart rates, body temperature and body mass loss. However, there was a significant difference between the urine osmolality results when the Lucozade Lite was consumed compared with when it was not. Yet the urine osmolality results showed a slight improvement in hydration status throughout the cycle regardless if the drink was consumed. It is suggested that this finding is caused by the rate of absorption of fluids by the body and the result of fluid shifts from exercising. It can be concluded that the improved hydration status did not show a reduction of the strain on the cardiovascular system, through reducing both heart rate and body temperature.