Hydrogen Water Reduces Muscle Fatigue

The Effects of Drinking Hydrogen-Rich Water During Intense Physical Exercise

Consuming hydrogen-rich water helps athletes train more effectively. It leads to significantly better results during training, as well as faster recovery. The main reasons for this are hydrogen’s proven action as a powerful antioxidant and its ability to neutralize harmful free radicals. Therefore, hydrogen-rich water reduces oxidative stress and the muscle fatigue it causes during intense physical exertion. This is the conclusion of a study conducted by the University of Tsukuba (Japan), in which a total of 10 male soccer players participated.

What was the purpose of the study?

The study was designed to examine the effects of hydrogen-rich water consumption on athletes after performing strenuous physical exercise. The participants were between the ages of 19 and 22, and none of them had taken any supplements or medications either during the study or immediately prior to it. After completing an intense workout, the athletes underwent blood tests and surface electromyography to monitor their physical condition. Electromyography is a widely used technique for measuring muscle electrical activity and assessing muscle fatigue.

What Does the Study Involve?

Study participants are divided into two groups. Over a period of one week, one group consumes one and a half liters of hydrogen-rich water, while the other group consumes the same amount of plain water. Before the study begins, the maximum progressive workload on a bicycle ergometer must be determined. This is done through a continuous step test with the workload increasing every minute until complete exhaustion. The main test is conducted on an empty stomach and consists of two types of intense physical exercises. The first exercise is a 30-minute session on a bicycle ergometer at 75% of maximum oxygen uptake. The second involves performing 100 repetitions of maximum knee extensions using an isokinetic machine. This machine measures peak torque and the position of the knee joint during the exercise. Each participant sits on the machine in a predetermined manner. The hip joint must be at a 90° angle, and straps connected to a stabilizer are placed across the participant’s waist and chest. Blood samples were taken immediately before the test began, as well as after each exercise.

What do the results show?

At the end of the study, it was reported that blood lactate levels in athletes consuming hydrogen-rich water were lower compared to those consuming regular water. These athletes also did not experience a decrease in peak torque, which is an indicator of less muscle fatigue after exercise. In fact, these two factors are interrelated, as lactate (lactic acid) is identified as one of the main causes of fatigue during training, as well as muscle soreness after training. It is produced by muscle cells, red blood cells, the brain, and other tissues when oxygen is scarce. That is why good hydration is necessary to reduce its levels.

What are the conclusions from the study on hydrogen-rich water?

• Thanks to the results of this study, as well as numerous others, it has been confirmed that hydrogen-rich water has a beneficial effect on athletes because:
• It aids in the body’s hydration;
• It hydrates the body up to 6 times faster than all other types of water;
• It lowers blood lactate levels;
• It improves muscle function;
• It increases muscle endurance and strength;
• It reduces muscle fatigue after exercise;
• It reduces the sensation of pain after intense exercise.