Inhalation of Hydrogen-rich Gas before Acute Exercise Alleviates Exercise Fatigue: A Randomized Crossover Study

Abstract

Hydrogen, as an antioxidant, may have the potential to mitigate fatigue and improve selected oxidative stress markers induced by strenuous exercise. This study focused on previously unexplored approach of pre-exercise inhalation of hydrogen-rich gas (HRG). Twenty-four healthy adult men first completed prelaboratories to determine maximum cycling power (Wmax) and maximum cycling time (Tmax). Then they were subjected to ride Tmax at 80% Wmax on cycle ergometers after inhaled HRG or placebo gas (air) for 60-minute in a double-blind, counterbalanced, randomized, and crossover design. The cycling frequency in the fatigue modelling process and the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) at the beginning and end of the ride were recorded. Before gas inhalation and after fatigue modeling, visual analog scale (VAS) for fatigue and counter-movement jump (CMJ) were tested, and blood samples were obtained. The results showed that compared to placebo, HRG inhalation induced significant improvement in VAS, RPE, the cycling frequency in the last 30 seconds, the ability to inhibit hydroxyl radicals, and serum lactate after exercise (p < 0.028), but not in CMJ height and glutathione peroxidase activit. In conclusions, HRG inhalation prior to acute exercise can alleviate exercise-induced fatigue, maintain functional performance, and improve hydroxyl radical and lactate levels.

Can molecular hydrogen supplementation enhance physical performance in healthy adults? A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Five studies (34,51,53,56,64) showed that H 2 can significantly improve BLA as compared to the placebo, while another eight publications (nine studies) (23, 25, 26, 29-31, 33, 55) showed opposite results that H 2 cannot significantly improve BLA (Table 1). The pooled ES of BLA was small and significant (SMD = −0.37, 95% CI −0.60 to −0.15, p = 0.001, Supplementary Figure S3), with low heterogeneity (I 2 = 22.0%, p = 0.215).…”

“…Four studies (28,56,62,64) showed that H 2 can significantly reduce RPE score as compared to the placebo, while another eight publications (nine studies) (23, 25,26,29,34,55,58,63) showed that H 2 cannot significantly reduce RPE score (Table 1). The pooled ES of the RPE score was small and significant (SMD = −0.37, 95% CI −0.65…”

“…Three studies (25,61,65) showed that H 2 can significantly improve lower limb explosive power as compared to the placebo, while another five studies (27,30,34,63,64) showed opposite results that H 2 cannot improve lower limb explosive power (Table 1).…”

“…One study (57) used the MVIS to assess the force of knee extension prior to highintensity aerobic exercise; four studies (27,30,51,62) were conducted to evaluate the magnitude of knee extensor force or peak torque in the MVIC after vigorous exercise. Eight studies (25,27,30,34,61,(63)(64)(65) evaluated alterations in lower limb explosive power (i.e., CMJ height and peak power output during 10 s or 30 m sprint) during or after vigorous exercise in participants. One study (53) used the special fitness test to assess the effects of HRW intake on athletic performance in judo athletes.…”

“…Single (n = 9) or multiple doses (ranging from 3 to 4 doses) of H 2 supplementation prior to exercise is a common intervention protocol. In total, 14 studies examined the effects of H 2 intake within 24 h before exercise (23,25,28, 29,33,51,53,54,56,58,[61][62][63][64]. Nine studies implemented the protocol of repeated intake of H 2 from 2 to 14 days before exercise(22-24, 26, 30, 31, 52, 55, 57).…”