STUDY SUMMARY: Hydration and Performance During Exercise in the Heat
Hydration is more important than exogenous carbohydrate intake during push-to-the-finish cycle exercise in the heat
Berry CW, Wolf ST, Cottle RM, Kenney WL (2021) Frontiers in Sports and Active Living DOI:https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2021.742710
In a peer-reviewed study, researchers at Penn State University, investigated the relative importance of hydration status versus carbohydrate intake during prolonged cycling exercise performed in hot conditions. Performance and physiological responses were evaluated during a push-to-the-finish exercise protocol designed to replicate real-world endurance demands in the heat.
The findings showed that GoodSport improved exercise performance under heat stress and supported performance to a similar extent as Gatorade, despite containing less sugar and carbohydrate. The results indicate that maintaining hydration status, rather than increasing carbohydrate intake, was the primary factor influencing performance during prolonged exercise in hot environments.