21st Annual Student Research Conference
Minimal Fluid Intake Maintains Salivary Osmolality During Aerobic Exercise
Cathy J. Bledsoe* and Sandy J. Leeson
Dr. Alex J. Koch, Faculty Mentor
Experts recommend drinking 236mL (one cup) of fluid every 15 minutes during exercise. Recent research has indicated that salivary osmolality is a marker of hydration status during exercise. We sought to determine whether a small amount of fluid intake would maintain salivary osmolality during an aerobic exercise bout. Seven college-aged male subjects completed five 10 minute bouts of exercise at 50% of their VO2 max on stationary bicycles. Saliva samples were collected before the test and then after each bout. Subjects drank 45mL of water after each saliva sample was collected. Saliva was analyzed by means of freeze-point detection using a micro-osmometer (Advanced Digimatics model 3300). Results showed that saliva osmolality was maintained within normal ranges over the 50 minute exercise period (time effect p = 0.348). These data indicate a fluid intake roughly one-fifth of the recommended amount is sufficient to maintain salivary osmolality during low-intensity exercise.
Keywords: Hydration, Osmolality
Topic(s):Exercise Science
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 7-11
Location: OP Lobby
Time: 4:15