SUPPLEMENTATION WITH HYDROGENATED WATER REDUCES THE MANIFESTATIONS OF POST-EXERCISE MUSCLE PAIN AFTER ENDURANCE RUNNING IN UNTRAINED MEN. A RANDOMIZED, DOUBLE-BLIND, PLACEBO-CONTROLLED CROSS OVER STUDY

Abstract

Starting points
One-time endurance physical activity in untrained individuals is associated with the occurrence of delayed muscle soreness related to ongoing local inflammation and increased oxidative stress. Molecular hydrogen (H2) is a new selectively acting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent.
Target
The main aim of the study was to assess the effect of the application of H2-enriched water (HRW) on the development of post-exercise muscle pain within 24 hours after the end of a 5 km run.
Methodology
In a randomized study, 12 non-endurance-trained men aged 23.6 ± 3.4 years underwent a 5 km run with the aim of achieving the best running performance. A total dose of 3780 ml of HRW or placebo was administered to the probands during the two days before the load and within 60 min after the end. At 0 h, 1 h, 4 h and 24 h after exercise, pain in the lower limbs was assessed using a 100 mm visual analogue scale. The interval between both measurements was 7 days.
The results
The application of HRW significantly reduces post-exercise lower limb pain during the 1st h (41 ± 21 vs. 27 ± 13 mm; p=0.017) and the 4th h (34 ± 21 vs. 22 ± 15 mm; p=0.029) compared to the placebo. . The differences at 24 h approached statistical significance (36 ± 27 vs. 26 ± 16 mm; p = 0.081).
Conclusion
Consumption of HRW significantly reduces the post-exercise perception of muscle soreness with a tendency to alleviate delayed muscle soreness after completing a 5km run in an untrained population.