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Int J Sports Med 2007; 28(10): 891-896
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-965004
Behavioural Sciences

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Effects of Dehydration and Fluid Ingestion on Cognition

P. D. Tomporowski1 , K. Beasman1 , M. S. Ganio2 , K. Cureton1
  • 1Department of Kinesiology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
  • 2Department of Kinesiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
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Publication History

accepted after revision September 21, 2006

Publication Date:
23 April 2007 (online)

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Abstract

The effects of exercise-induced dehydration and fluid ingestion on men's cognitive performance were assessed. Eleven young men attended separate sessions in which each individual cycled in a controlled environment at 60 % of V·O2max for periods of 15, 60, or 120 min without fluid replacement or 120 min with fluid replacement. Immediately following the assigned submaximal exercise period, the participant completed a graded exercise test to voluntary exhaustion. An executive processing test and a short-term memory test were performed prior to and immediately following exercise. Choice-response times during the executive processing test decreased following exercise, regardless of the level of dehydration. Choice-response errors increased following exercise, but only on trials requiring set shifting. Short-term memory performance improved following exercise, regardless of the level of dehydration. Changes in cognitive performance following exercise are hypothesized to be related to metabolic arousal following strenuous physical activity.

Key words

information processing - executive function - memory - fatigue

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Dr. PhD Phillip Daniel Tomporowski

Department of Kinesiology
University of Georgia

330 River Road

Athens, GA 30602

USA

Phone: + 1 70 65 42 41 83

Fax: + 1 70 75 42 31 48

Email: ptomporo@uga.edu

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