2024 · Zhou et al. — Effects of 8 Days Intake of Hydrogen-Rich Water on Muscular Endurance Performance and Fatigue Recovery During Resistance Training
Super-Abstract
In 18 trained men, 8 days of hydrogen-rich water increased total power output and total repetitions in six sets of half-squats to failure compared with pure water (p = 0.032 and p = 0.019), while jump height, perceived recovery and muscle soreness showed no statistically significant difference. Mean total power output was 50,866.7 W compared with 46,431.0 W, and total repetitions 78.2 compared with 70.3. The abstract does not state the hydrogen concentration, the washout period or a primary endpoint. (Frontiers in Physiology, 2024.)
Commentary
Exercise-induced oxidative stress and inflammation can impair muscle function, and the authors asked whether hydrogen-rich water affects muscular endurance in trained people. In a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study, 18 trained men aged 19.7 ± 0.9 years drank 1,920 mL of hydrogen-rich water or pure water (placebo) daily for 7 days. On the training day they drank another 1,260 mL in five portions: 210 mL each at 30 minutes and 1 minute before training, between sets and immediately after training, plus 420 mL 30 minutes into recovery. The exercise was six sets of free-barbell half-squats at 70% of one repetition maximum, each set to failure. Endurance was measured as total power output and number of repetitions. Fatigue recovery was assessed by countermovement jump (CMJ) height, the total quality recovery scale (TQRS) and a visual analogue scale (VAS) for muscle soreness after training and at 24 and 48 hours. The abstract does not report the hydrogen concentration, the washout period or adverse events.
Key quotes
- „The total power output (HRW: 50,866.7 ± 6,359.9W, Placebo: 46,431.0 ± 9,376.5W, p = 0.032) and the total number of repetitions (HRW:78.2 ± 9.5 repetitions, Placebo: 70.3 ± 9.5 repetitions, p = 0.019) in the H2 supplemented group were significantly higher than in the placebo group.“ — the two endurance measures that differed significantly between conditions
- „However, there was no statistically significant difference (p< 0.05) between the H2 and placebo groups in CMJ, TQRS, and VAS.“ — recovery measures did not differ; the printed p-value sign appears inverted
- „However, it should be noted that HRW intake alone may not be adequate to accelerate recovery from muscle soreness or fatigue following high-intensity training.“ — the authors' own caveat on recovery from soreness and fatigue
Our assessment
The crossover design lets each man serve as his own control, and both endurance measures moved in the same direction. In this small sample, the results suggest more repetitions and higher power output in one half-squat session after eight days of hydrogen-rich water. Jump height, perceived recovery and muscle soreness showed no statistically significant difference, so the study gives no support for faster recovery. The authors' recommendation for athletes and competitions goes beyond what one session in 18 young trained men can show. Limitations: small sample of young trained men, one exercise test per condition, several outcomes without a named primary endpoint, and no hydrogen concentration, washout or adverse events reported in the abstract. The abstract prints the p-value for the null result as smaller than 0.05, which contradicts the text and is probably a typo.
Study design
- Type: randomised, double-blind crossover study · n: 18 trained men aged 19.7 ± 0.9 years · H₂ delivery: hydrogen-rich water, 1,920 mL per day for 7 days plus 1,260 mL on the training day, concentration not stated
- Comparator: pure water as placebo
- Result: no primary endpoint named. Total power output 50,866.7 ± 6,359.9 W vs. 46,431.0 ± 9,376.5 W (p = 0.032). Total repetitions 78.2 ± 9.5 vs. 70.3 ± 9.5 (p = 0.019). CMJ height, TQRS and muscle soreness (VAS): no statistically significant difference
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Exercise-induced oxidative stress and inflammation can impair muscular function in humans. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of molecular hydrogen (H2) highlight its potential to be as an effective nutritional supplement to support muscular function performance in healthy adults. However, the effects of H2 supplementation on muscular endurance performance in trained individuals have not been well characterized. This study aimed to assess the effects of intermittent hydrogen-rich water (HRW) supplementation before, during, and after resistance training on muscular endurance performance, neuromuscular status, and subjective perceptual responses after a 48-h recovery period. METHODS: This randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled cross-over study included 18 trained men aged 19.7 ± 0.9 years. Participants in this study were instructed to consume 1,920 mL of HRW or pure water (Placebo) daily for 7 days. Additionally, participants were required to supplement with HRW or pure water five times during the training day (1,260 mL total). This included drinking 210 mL 30 min and 1 min before training, 210 mL between training sets, 210 mL immediately after training, and 420 mL 30 min into the recovery period. Participants performed half-squat exercises with the load set at 70% of one repetition maximum for six sets (half-squat exercise performed to repetitions failure each set). We measured the power output and number of repetitions in the free barbell half-squat used to assess muscular endurance performance in participants. The countermovement jump (CMJ) height, total quality recovery scale (TQRS), and muscle soreness visual analog scale (VAS) scores were measured to assess fatigue recovery status after training, as well as at 24 and 48 h of recovery. RESULTS: The total power output (HRW: 50,866.7 ± 6,359.9W, Placebo: 46,431.0 ± 9,376.5W, p = 0.032) and the total number of repetitions (HRW:78.2 ± 9.5 repetitions, Placebo: 70.3 ± 9.5 repetitions, p = 0.019) in the H2 supplemented group were significantly higher than in the placebo group. However, there was no statistically significant difference (p< 0.05) between the H2 and placebo groups in CMJ, TQRS, and VAS. CONCLUSION: Eight days of intermittent HRW intake could significantly improve muscular endurance performance in trained individuals, making it a promising strategy for athletes or fitness enthusiasts looking to boost muscular endurance during resistance training or competitions. However, it should be noted that HRW intake alone may not be adequate to accelerate recovery from muscle soreness or fatigue following high-intensity training.
Source & links
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