Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of fluid and salt supplementation (FSS) and physical exercise (PE) in preventing fluid-electrolyte changes in 24 physically active healthy men (VO2 max 68 ml/kg/min) aged 19-24 years after exposure to 364-days of prolonged restriction of motor activity (hypokinesia). All subjects were divided into four equal groups: the 1st group kept under pure HK, the 2nd group submitted to HK and PE, the 3rd group consumed daily FSS (18 ml water/kg body weight and 0.12 g NaCl/kg body weight), and the 4th group subjected to combined HK with PE and FSS. For the simulation of the hypokinetic effect all men were kept under an average of 3000 steps/day. Fluid-electrolyte changes in different directions were manifested in all groups of men by the end of HK. The use of PE had only a limited effect on fluid-electrolyte changes, and the use of PE with FSS induced complicated changes, while the use of FSS alone had the most favourable effect on fluid-electrolyte balance. It was concluded that a daily intake of FSS in very small divided doses may be used to counteract effectively the development of fluid-electrolyte metabolic changes in physically active healthy men after exposure to prolonged restriction of muscular activity. Verf.-Referat