Effects of Dehydration and Fluid Ingestion on Cognition

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·O_2max 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.

information processing - executive function - memory - fatigue

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