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Purpose: An increasing body of evidence suggests that excreting a generous volume of diluted urine is associated with short- and long-term beneficial health effects, especially for kidney and metabolic function. However, water intake and hydration remain under-investigated and optimal hydration is poorly and inconsistently defined. This review tests the hypothesis that optimal chronic water intake positively impacts various aspects of health and proposes an evidence-based definition of optimal hydration. Methods: Search strategy included PubMed and Google Scholar using relevant keywords for each health outcome, complemented by manual search of article reference lists and the expertise of relevant practitioners for each area studied. Results: The available literature suggest the effects of increased water intake on health may be direct, due to increased urine flow or urine dilution, or indirect, mediated by a reduction in osmotically -stimulated vasopressin (AVP). Urine flow affects the formation of kidney stones and recurrence of urinary tract infection, while increased circulating AVP is implicated in metabolic disease, chronic kidney disease, and autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. Conclusion: In order to ensure optimal hydration, it is proposed that optimal total water intake should approach 2.5 to 3.5 L day−1 to allow for the daily excretion of 2 to 3 L of dilute (< 500 mOsm kg−1) urine. Simple urinary markers of hydration such as urine color or void frequency may be used to monitor and adjust intake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This investigation had three purposes: (a) to evaluate changes in hydration biomarkers in response to a graded rehydration intervention (GRHI) following 3 days of water restriction (WR), (b) assess within-day variation in urine concentrations, and (c) quantify the volume of fluid needed to return to euhydration as demonstrated by change in Ucol. Methods: 115 adult males and females were observed during 1 week of habitual fluid intake, 3 days of fluid restriction (1000 mL day−1), and a fourth day in which the sample was randomized into five different GRHI groups: no additional water, CON; additional 500 mL, G+0.50; additional 1000 mL, G+1.00; additional 1500 mL, G+1.50; additional 2250 mL, G+2.25. All urine was collected on 1 day of the baseline week, during the final 2 days of the WR, and during the day of GRHI, and evaluated for urine osmolality, color, and specific gravity. Results: Following the GRHI, only G+1.50 and G+2.25 resulted in all urinary values being significantly different from CON. The mean volume of water increase was significantly greater for those whose Ucol changed from > 4 to < 4 (+ 1435 ± 812 mL) than those whose Ucol remained ≥ 4 (+ 667 ± 722 mL, p < 0.001). Conclusions: An additional 500 mL of water is not sufficient, while approximately 1500 mL of additional water (for a total intake between 2990 and 3515 mL day−1) is required to return to a urine color associated with adequate water intake, following 3 days of WR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the circulating cytokine response to a recreational 164-km road cycling event in a high ambient temperature and to determine if this response was affected by self-paced exercise time to completion.Methods: Thirty-five men and five women were divided into tertiles based on time to complete the cycling event: slowest (SLOW), moderate (MOD), and fastest (FAST) finishers. Plasma samples were obtained 1-2 h before (PRE) and immediately after (IP) the event. A high-sensitivity multiplex assay kit was used to determine the concentration of plasma anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-13) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-12, GM-CSF, IFN-γ, and TNF-α).Results: The concentration of plasma IL-10 increased significantly (p < 0.05) in FAST and MOD groups and had no change in the SLOW group in response to a 164-km cycling event in the hot environment. Other cytokine responses were not influenced by the Time to completion. Pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-2, GM-CSF, and TNF-α decreased; whereas, IL-6 and IL-8 increased from PRE to IP. Additionally, anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-13 decreased.Conclusions: Completion of a 164-km cycling event induced substantial changes in circulating pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine concentrations. Time to completion appears to have a greater influence on the systemic IL-10 response than the environmental condition; however, it is possible that a threshold for absolute intensity must be reached for environmental conditions to affect the IL-10 response to exercise. Thus, cyclists from the FAST/MOD groups appear more likely to experience an acute transient immune suppression than cyclists from the SLOW group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well established that caffeine ingestion during exercise enhances endurance performance. Conversely, the physiological and psychological strain that accompanies increased ambient temperature decreases endurance performance. Little is known about the interaction between environmental temperature and the effects of caffeine on performance. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of ambient temperature (12 and 33°C) on caffeine ergogenicity during endurance cycling exercise. Eleven male cyclists (mean ± SD; age, 25 ± 6 years; [Formula: see text] 58.7 ± 2.9 ml kg(-1) min(-1)) completed four exercise trials in a randomized, double blind experimental design. After cycling continuously for 90 min (average 65 ± 7% [Formula: see text]) in either a warm (33 ± 1°C, 41 ± 5%rh) or cool (12 ± 1°C, 60 ± 7%rh) environment, subjects completed a 15-min performance trial (PT; based on total work accumulated). Subjects ingested 3 mg kg(-1) of encapsulated caffeine (CAF) or placebo (PLA) 60 min prior to and after 45 min of exercise. Throughout exercise, subjects ingested water so that at the end of exercise, independent of ambient temperature, their body mass was reduced 0.55 ± 0.67%. Two-way (temperature × treatment) repeated-measures ANOVA were conducted with alpha set at 0.05. Total work (kJ) during the PT was greater in 12°C than 33°C [P < 0.001, η(2) = 0.804, confidence interval (CI): 30.51-62.30]. When pooled, CAF increased performance versus PLA independent of temperature (P = 0.006, η(2) = 0.542 CI: 3.60-16.86). However, performance differences with CAF were not dependent on ambient temperature (i.e., non-significant interaction; P = 0.662). CAF versus PLA in 12 and 33°C resulted in few differences in other physiological variables. However, during exercise, rectal temperature (T (re)) increased in the warm environment (peak T (re); 33°C, 39.40 ± 0.45; 12°C, 38.79 ± 0.42°C; P < 0.05) but was not different in CAF versus PLA (P > 0.05). Increased ambient temperature had a detrimental effect on cycling performance in both the CAF and PLA conditions. CAF improved performance independent of environmental temperature. These findings suggest that caffeine at the dosage utilized (6 mg/kg body mass) is a, legal drug that provides an ergogenic benefit in 12 and 33°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this research was to characterize the movement of ingested water through body fluids, during exercise-heat stress. Deuterium oxide ((2)H(2)O) accumulation in plasma and eccrine sweat was measured at two sites (back and forehead). The exercise of 14 males was controlled via cycle ergometry in a warm environment (60 min; 28.7 degrees C, 51%rh). Subjects consumed (2)H(2)O (0.15 mg kg(-1), 99.9% purity) mixed in flavored, non-caloric, colored water before exercise, then consumed 3.0 ml kg(-1) containing no (2)H(2)O every 15 min during exercise. We hypothesized that water transit from mouth to skin would occur before 15 min. (2)H(2)O appeared rapidly in both plasma and sweat (P < 0.05), within 10 min of water consumption. The ratio (2)H(2)O/H(2)O (D:H) was 47.3-55.0 times greater in plasma than in back sweat at minutes 10, 20, and 30 (DeltaD:H relative to baseline). At elapsed minute 20, the mean rate of deuterium accumulation (DeltaD:H min(-1)) in plasma was 14.9 and 23.7 times greater than in forehead and back sweat samples, respectively. Mean (+/-SE) whole-body sweat rate was 1.04 +/- 0.05 L h(-1) and subjects with the greatest whole-body sweat rate exhibited the greatest peak deuterium enrichment in sweat (r(2) = 0.87, exponential function); the peak (2)H(2)O enrichment in sweat was not proportional (P > 0.05) to body mass, volume of the deuterium dose, or total volume of fluid consumed. These findings clarify the time course of fluid movement from mouth to eccrine sweat glands, and demonstrate considerable differences of (2)H(2)O enrichment in plasma versus sweat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent advances in molecular biology have elucidated some of the mechanisms that regulate skeletal muscle growth. Logically, muscle physiologists have applied these innovations to the study of resistance exercise (RE), as RE represents the most potent natural stimulus for growth in adult skeletal muscle. However, as this molecular-based line of research progresses to investigations in humans, scientists must appreciate the fundamental principles of RE to effectively design such experiments. Therefore, we present herein an updated paradigm of RE biology that integrates fundamental RE principles with the current knowledge of muscle cellular and molecular signalling. RE invokes a sequential cascade consisting of: (i) muscle activation; (ii) signalling events arising from mechanical deformation of muscle fibres, hormones, and immune/inflammatory responses; (iii) protein synthesis due to increased transcription and translation; and (iv) muscle fibre hypertrophy. In this paradigm. RE is considered an 'upstream' signal that determines specific downstream events. Therefore, manipulation of the acute RE programme variables (i.e. exercise choice, load, volume, rest period lengths, and exercise order) alters the unique 'fingerprint" of the RE stimulus and subsequently modifies the downstream cellular and molecular responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Significant scientific evidence documents the deleterious effects of hypohydration (reduced total body water) on endurance exercise performance; however, the influence of hypohydration on muscular strength, power and high-intensity endurance (maximal activities lasting >30 seconds but <2 minutes) is poorly understood due to the inconsistent results produced by previous investigations. Several subtle methodological choices that exacerbate or attenuate the apparent effects of hypohydration explain much of this variability. After accounting for these factors, hypohydration appears to consistently attenuate strength (by ≈2%), power (by ≈3%) and high-intensity endurance (by ∼10%), suggesting alterations in total body water affect some aspect of force generation. Unfortunately, the relationships between performance decrement and crucial variables such as mode, degree and rate of water loss remain unclear due to a lack of suitably uninfluenced data. The physiological demands of strength, power and high-intensity endurance couple with a lack of scientific support to argue against previous hypotheses that suggest alterations in cardiovascular, metabolic and/or buffering function represent the performance-reducing mechanism of hypohydration. On the other hand, hypohydration might directly affect some component of the neuromuscular system, but this possibility awaits thorough evaluation. A critical review of the available literature suggests hypohydration limits strength, power and high-intensity endurance and, therefore, is an important factor to consider when attempting to maximise muscular performance in athletic, military and industrial settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to examine pituitary-adrenal (PA) hormone responses [beta-endorphin (beta-END), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol] to arm exercise (AE) and leg exercise (LE) at 60 and 80% of the muscle-group specific VO2 peak. Eight healthy untrained men (AE VO2 peak=32.4+/-3.0 ml kg(-1) min(-1), LE VO2 peak=46.9+/-5.3 ml kg(-1) min(-1)) performed two sub-maximal AE and LE tests in random order. Plasma beta-END, ACTH and cortisol were not different (P>0.05) between AE and LE at either exercise intensity; the 60% testing elicited no changes from pre-exercise (PRE) values. For 80% testing, plasma beta-END, ACTH and cortisol were consistently, but not significantly, greater during LE than AE. In general, plasma beta-END and ACTH were higher (P<0.05) during 80% exercise, than PRE, for both AE and LE. Plasma cortisol was elevated (P<0.05) above PRE during 80% LE, and following 80% for both AE and LE. Plasma ACTH was higher (P<0.05) during 80% LE and AE versus 60% LE and AE, respectively. Plasma beta-END and cortisol were significantly higher during and immediately after 80% LE than 60% LE. Thus, plasma beta-END, ACTH and cortisol responses were similar for AE and LE at the two relative exercise intensities, with the intensity threshold occurring somewhere between 60 and 80% of VO2 peak. It appears that the smaller muscle mass associated with AE was sufficient to stimulate these PA axis hormones in a manner similar to LE, despite the higher metabolic stress (i.e., plasma La-) associated with LE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to examine pituitary–adrenal (PA) hormone responses [beta-endorphin (β-END), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol] to arm exercise (AE) and leg exercise (LE) at 60 and 80% of the muscle-group specific VO2 peak. Eight healthy untrained men (AE VO2 peak=32.4±3.0 ml kg−1 min−1, LE VO2 peak=46.9±5.3 ml kg−1 min−1) performed two sub-maximal AE and LE tests in random order. Plasma β-END, ACTH and cortisol were not different ( P>0.05) between AE and LE at either exercise intensity; the 60% testing elicited no changes from pre-exercise (PRE) values. For 80% testing, plasma β-END, ACTH and cortisol were consistently, but not significantly, greater during LE than AE. In general, plasma β-END and ACTH were higher ( P<0.05) during 80% exercise, than PRE, for both AE and LE. Plasma cortisol was elevated ( P<0.05) above PRE during 80% LE, and following 80% for both AE and LE. Plasma ACTH was higher ( P<0.05) during 80% LE and AE versus 60% LE and AE, respectively. Plasma β-END and cortisol were significantly higher during and immediately after 80% LE than 60% LE. Thus, plasma β-END, ACTH and cortisol responses were similar for AE and LE at the two relative exercise intensities, with the intensity threshold occurring somewhere between 60 and 80% of VO2 peak. It appears that the smaller muscle mass associated with AE was sufficient to stimulate these PA axis hormones in a manner similar to LE, despite the higher metabolic stress (i.e., plasma La-) associated with LE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is yet unknown how upper body exercise combined with high ambient temperatures affects plasma testosterone and cortisol concentrations and furthermore, how these hormones respond to exercise in people suffering spinal cord injuries. The purpose of this study was to characterize plasma testosterone and cortisol responses to upper body exercise in wheelchair athletes (WA) compared to able-bodied individuals (AB) at two ambient temperatures. Four WA [mean age 36 (SEM 13) years, mean body mass 66.9 (SEM 11.8) kg, injury level T7–T11], matched with five AB [mean age 33.4 (SEM 8.9) years, mean body mass 72.5 (SEM 13.1) kg] exercised (cross-over design) for 20 min on a wheelchair ergometer (0.03 kg resistance · kg-1 body mass) at 25 °C and 32 °C. Blood samples were obtained before (PRE), at min 10 (MID), and min 20 (END) of exercise. No differences were found between results obtained at 25 °C and 32 °C for any physiological variable studied and therefore these data were combined. Pre-exercise testosterone concentration was lower (P < 0.05) in WA [18.3 (SEM 0.9) nmol · l-1] compared to AB [21.9 (SEM 3.6) nmol · l-1], and increased PRE to END only in WA. Cortisol concentrations were similar between groups before and during exercise, despite higher rectal temperatures in WA compared to AB, at MID [37.21 (SEM 0.14) and 37.02 (SEM 0.08)°C, respectively] and END [37.36 (SEM 0.16) and 37.19 (SEM 0.10)°C, respectively]. Plasma norepinephrine responses were similar between groups. In conclusion, there were no differences in plasma cortisol concentrations, which may have been due to the low relative exercise intensities employed. The greater exercise response in WA for plasma testosterone should be confirmed on a larger population. It could have been the result of the lower plasma testosterone concentrations at rest in our group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exercise following exercise-induced dehydration (EID) has been shown to elevate concentrations of plasma norepinephrine (NE) and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis hormones. However, it is not known how intravenous (i.v.) rehydration (Rh) with isotonic (ISO) or hypotonic (HYPO) saline affects these hormone concentrations. It was hypothesized that HYPO, versus ISO, would lead to lower plasma NE and cortisol concentrations ([CORT]) during subsequent exercise following EID due to a decrease in plasma sodium concentration [Na+]. Eight non-heat acclimated men completed three experimental treatments (counterbalanced design) immediately following EID (33°C) to −4% body mass loss. The Rh treatments were i.v. 0.9% NaCl (ISO, 25 ml · kg−1), i.v. 0.45% NaCl (HYPO, 25 ml · kg−1), and no fluid (NF). After Rh and rest (2 h total), the subjects walked at 53–54 percent of maximal O2 uptake for 45 min at 36°C. After Rh, the following observations were made before/during exercise: percentage change in plasma volume (PV) was lower in NF compared to ISO and HYPO but similar between ISO and HYPO; Δ[Na+] was similar between ISO and NF and higher in ISO compared to HYPO; Δ plasma NE was higher in NF compared to ISO and HYPO, but similar between ISO and HYPO; Δ plasma [CORT] was higher in NF compared to ISO and HYPO and higher in ISO compared to HYPO; rectal temperature was higher in NF compared to ISO and HYPO. These data would suggest that sympathetic nervous activity and [CORT] during exercise, subsequent to EID and Rh, was affected by lower PV (probably through cardiopulmonary baroreflexes) as well as core temperature. Furthermore, [CORT] was affected by Δ[Na+] after Rh through an unknown mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies investigating the impact of circadian rhythms on physiological variables during exercise have yielded conflicting results. The purpose of the present investigation was to examine maximal aerobic exercise performance, as well as the physiological and psychophysiological responses to exercise, at four different intervals (0800 hours, 1200 hours, 1600 hours, and 2000 hours) within the segment of the 24-h day in which strenuous physical activity is typically performed. Ten physically fit, but untrained, male university students served as subjects. The results revealed that exercise performance was unaffected by chronobiological effects. Similarly, oxygen uptake, minute ventilation and heart rate showed no time of day influences under pre-, submaximal, and maximal exercise conditions. Ratings of perceived exertion were unaffected by time of day effects during submaximal and maximal exercise. In contrast, rectal temperature exhibited a significant chronobiological rhythm under all three conditions. Under pre- and submaximal exercise conditions, significant time of day effects were noted for respiratory exchange ratio, while a significant rhythmicity of blood pressure was evident during maximal exercise. However, none of these physiological variables exhibited significant differential responses (percent change from pre-exercise values) to the exercise stimulus at any of the four time points selected for study. Conversely, resting plasma lactate levels and lactate responses to maximal exercise were found to be significantly sensitive to chronobiological influences. Absolute post-exercise plasma norepinephrine values, and norepinephrine responses to exercise (percent change from pre-exercise values), also fluctuated significantly among the time points studied. In summary, these data suggest that aerobic exercise performance does not vary during the time frame within which exercise is normally conducted, despite the fact that some important physiological responses to exercise do fluctuate within that time period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]