Voluntary Intake of Sports Drinks and Water in Males and Females Running in Hot Environment

Abstract

This study compared the palatability and voluntary intake of beverages that have different sensory characteristics, between male and female athletes while running or racewalking in a tropical climate. METHODS: Thirty-six athletes (runners n=31; racewalkers n=5), 18 males (M; mean age=18.9 ±3.5 yr) and 18 females (F; mean age=20.1± 4.7yr), were recruited. Subjects completed four 90-minute sessions, running or race walking outdoors (mean distance M=18.0 ± 1.7; F=13.1 ± 2.0 km) at an intensity requiring 80 to 85% of age predicted maximum heart rate in a hot and humid environment (WBGT=30.1±1.1oC) on separate days. One of 4 commercial beverages was offered on each occasion: unflavored water (W), 6% carbohydrate-electrolyte solution (CES), 6% carbohydrate-electrolyte + preservatives solution (CESP1) or 8% carbohydrate-electrolyte + preservatives + B vitamins solution (CESP2). Beverage order was assigned in a Latin Square, double-blind design. They were served cold in squeeze bottles and subjects drank as desired. Palatability was measured during a one-minute exercise break at 15-minute intervals using visual analog 10-point scales and 9-point category scales.