Selected Physiological Responses of Normal Young Men following Dehydration and Rehydration

Abstract

This study was designed to compare man's normal working physiological performance to that during rapid dehydration and rehydration. Seven trained men participated in submaximal exercise trials at three conditions (normal, dehydrated, and rehydrated). During each test measurements were recorded on the subject's rectal temperature change during exercise and recovery, exercise and recovery minute heart rates, minute volume, oxygen consumption, respiratory quotient, ventilatory efficiency, and oxygen pulse. Analysis of the data, employing analysis of variance and Duncan's Multiple Range Test, indicated significant differences in mean exercise and second minute recovery heart rates, with an elevation during the dehydration test, and a return to normalcy for the rehydration test. Oxygen pulse decreased notably with dehydration, returning to normal with rehydration. Mean rectal temperature change, first minute recovery heart rate, oxygen consumption, ventilatory efficiency, minute volume, and respiratory quotient did not exhibit significant change.