Effect of oral rehydration solution versus spring water intake during exercise in the heat on muscle cramp susceptibility of young men

Background Muscle cramp is a painful, involuntary muscle contraction, and that occurs during or following exercise referred to as exercise-associated (EAMC). The causes of EAMC are likely be multifactorial, but dehydration electrolytes deficits considered factors. This study tested the hypothesis post-exercise susceptibility would increased with spring water ingestion, reduced oral rehydration solution (ORS) ingestion exercise.Methods Ten men performed downhill running (DHR) in heat (35–36 °C) for 40–60 min reduce 1.5–2% their body mass two conditions (spring vs ORS) cross-over design. was measured at 20 every 10 thereafter DHR, 30 post-DHR. participants ingested either ORS loss each period. were counter-balanced among separated by week. Calf assessed threshold frequency (TF) an electrical train stimulation induce before, immediately after, 65 Blood samples taken after DHR measure serum sodium, potassium, magnesium chroride concentrations, hematocrit (Hct), hemoglobin (Hb), osmolarity. Changes these varaibles over time compared between two-way repeated measures analysis variance.Results average (±SD) baseline TF (25.6 ± 0.7 Hz) same conditions. decreased 3.8 2.7 4.5 1.7 Hz from value post-DHR condition, 6.5 4.9 13.6 6.0 period condition (P < 0.05). Hct Hb did not change significantly > 0.05) both conditions, osmolarity only condition. Serum sodium chloride concentrations (< 2%) 0.05).Conclusions These results suggest intake susceptibility. It concluded ingesting appeared effective preventing EAMC.