Hydrogen-rich water supplementation promotes muscle recovery after two strenuous training sessions performed on the same day in elite fin swimmers: randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial

Abstract

Purpose: Molecular hydrogen has been shown to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, ergogenic, and recovery-enhancing effects. This study aimed to assess the effect of molecular hydrogen administration on muscle performance, damage, and perception of soreness up to 24 h of recovery after two strenuous training sessions performed on the same day in elite fin swimmers. Methods: Eight females (mean ± SD; age 21.5 ± 5.0 years, maximal oxygen consumption 45.0 ± 2.5 mL.kg−1.min−1) and four males (age 18.9 ± 1.3 years, maximal oxygen consumption 52.2 ± 1.7 mL.kg−1.min−1) performed 12 × 50 m sprints in the morning session and a 400 m competitive performance in the afternoon session. Participants consumed hydrogen-rich water (HRW) or placebo 3 days before the sessions (1,260 mL/day) and 2,520 mL on the experimental day. Muscle performance (countermovement jump), muscle damage (creatine kinase), and muscle soreness (100 mm visual analogue scale) were measured during the experimental day and at 12 and 24 h after the afternoon session. Results: HRW compared to placebo reduced blood activity of creatine kinase (156 ± 63 vs. 190 ± 64 U.L−1, p = 0.043), muscle soreness perception (34 ± 12 vs. 42 ± 12 mm, p = 0.045), and improved countermovement jump height (30.7 ± 5.5 cm vs. 29.8 ± 5.8 cm, p = 0.014) at 12 h after the afternoon session. Conclusion: Four days of HRW supplementation is a promising hydration strategy for promoting muscle recovery after two strenuous training sessions performed on the same day in elite fin swimmers. Clinical Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT05799911

Study details

Article type

Original Research

Disease / injury model

Exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) in elite athletes

Duration

4 days

Dose comparison

Relative dose per body mass was compared between males and females, showing a statistically significant difference due to body mass differences.

Dose-dependent effect

Yes

Outcome

Positive

Findings

Four days of hydrogen-rich water supplementation significantly reduced creatine kinase levels, muscle soreness, and improved countermovement jump height at 12 hours after two strenuous training sessions in elite fin swimmers, indicating enhanced muscle recovery compared to placebo.