How Hydration Improves Athletic Performance

Hydrogen Improves Repeated Sprint Performance in Professional Soccer Players

Consuming hydrogen-rich water helps professional soccer players achieve better results during repeated sprints. It increases speed and muscle energy. The main reason for this is hydrogen’s ability to stimulate the production of the body’s primary energy source—adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This is the conclusion of a study conducted by Palacký University Olomouc (Czech Republic), in which a total of 16 professional soccer players participated.

What was the purpose of the study?

The study was designed to observe how consuming hydrogen-rich water before training affects soccer players’ performance during repeated sprints. Blood lactate concentration and performance responses were also analyzed. The participants were between the ages of 17 and 21. Each participant is in good health and has not taken any additional medications or dietary supplements either during the study or immediately prior to it. The athletes were tested by performing two indoor sprints over distances of 15 and 30 meters, with a 20-second active recovery period between each sprint.

What does the study involve?

The study consists of three sessions—one laboratory session and two test sessions—with a one-week interval between each. During the first session, participants receive information about the study and are introduced to the testing laboratory equipment. Their hydration status is assessed by collecting a urine sample. The sample is analyzed using a refractometer—an instrument for measuring the physical properties of liquids. Anthropometric measurements (height and body weight) are taken. The maximum respiratory capacity of each athlete is also determined via a treadmill run. A diet is prescribed for the participants—avoiding beverages containing caffeine and alcohol, as well as strenuous physical activity within 48 hours prior to the study. For the second session, the athletes were randomly assigned to two groups (one receiving 1,260 ml of hydrogen-rich water and the other receiving plain water). The order of consumption for the two types of water was determined by an equal number of two-colored strips—blue and red. Participants performed multiple 30-meter sprints, with times measured at the 15-meter and 30-meter marks using pre-positioned photoelectric sensors with timers. Between sprints, there was a 20-second active recovery period, which consisted of walking slowly back to the starting line. Each participant is assigned a separate running lane to avoid influencing the times. After completing the test, blood samples were taken to assess the level of lactate in the body. The third session was conducted similarly to the second one a week later, but this time with the groups swapped.

What do the results show?

At the end of the study, it was reported that participants in the hydrogen-water group were significantly faster during the repeated sprint compared to participants in the plain water group. This is mainly due to increased respiratory activity of the mitochondria and increased production of adenosine triphosphate. Another benefit is the significantly enhanced ability to reduce fatigue after repeated sprints. The main reason for this is that hydrogen is a safe substance with strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It is also important to note that this is the first study to demonstrate an ergogenic effect from consuming hydrogen-rich water during repeated sprint performance. An ergogenic effect refers to the biological changes in the body during intense exercise—increases in muscle strength, endurance, and speed.

What are the conclusions from the hydrogen study?

Thanks to the results of this study, as well as numerous others, it has been confirmed that hydrogen has a beneficial effect on professional soccer players because:

• It improves performance time in repeated sprints;
• It increases muscle energy;
• It improves muscle endurance and strength;
• It reduces muscle fatigue after training;
• It reduces the sensation of pain after intense training;
• It hydrates the body up to 6 times faster than any other type of water.