How Elite Fin Swimmers Used Hydrogen-Rich Water to Boost Recovery

Updated November 19, 2024

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A recent study has revealed promising results for elite athletes using hydrogen-rich water (HRW) as a recovery aid. The research, conducted on elite fin swimmers, demonstrates that HRW supplementation can significantly improve muscle recovery after intense training sessions.

The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial involved 12 elite Czech fin swimmers (8 females, 4 males) who underwent two strenuous training sessions on the same day. Participants consumed either HRW or a placebo for four days, including the day of the training sessions.

Key findings of the study include:

Reduced muscle damage: HRW supplementation led to lower blood creatine kinase levels (156 ± 63 U.L−1) compared to the placebo group (190 ± 64 U.L−1)
Decreased muscle soreness: Athletes reported less muscle soreness after HRW consumption (34 ± 12 mm on a visual analog scale) compared to the placebo (42 ± 12 mm)
Improved muscle performance: Countermovement jump height, a measure of muscle function, was higher in the HRW group (30.7 ± 5.5 cm) than in the placebo group (29.8 ± 5.8 cm)

These benefits were observed 12 hours after the second training session, suggesting that HRW can accelerate recovery even after multiple intense workouts in a single day. The study's lead author, Barbora Sládečková, and her colleagues concluded that

"four days of HRW supplementation is a promising hydration strategy for promoting muscle recovery after two strenuous training sessions performed on the same day in elite fin swimmers."

Barbora Sládečková

World cup speed swim medalist

This research adds to the growing body of evidence supporting the use of molecular hydrogen as an ergogenic aid in sports. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of hydrogen may contribute to its ability to enhance recovery and performance in athletes.

As the field of sports nutrition continues to evolve, hydrogen-rich water supplementation could become an increasingly popular strategy for elite athletes looking to optimize their recovery and maintain peak performance during intense training periods.

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