The influence of water ingestion during prolonged exercise on affect

This study examined the influence of water ingestion on affect and perceived exertion during sub-maximal running. Fifteen endurance-trained men performed two counterbalanced 90-min treadmill runs at 70% V˙O2 max. No fluid was ingested during one trial (NF-trial), whereas a single water bolus (5.0 mL kg−1 body mass) was ingested immediately preexercise and every 20 min during exercise (2.0 mL kg−1 bodymass) in a fluid replacement trial (FR-trial). Affect and perceived exertion were repeatedly assessed and physiological changes monitored. Perceived exertion and heart rate increased significantly during the run but there were no differences between conditions. Such similarities were not reflected in the pleasure–displeasure ratings, which were maintained above baseline levels during exercise in the FR-trial but declined below baseline during the NF-trial. A significant postexercise improvement in rated pleasure–displeasure was found only in the FR-trial, leading to significantly higher ratings of pleasure–displeasure during the recovery period compared to the NF-trial. Self-reported Energy was also enhanced postexercise only in the FR-trial. Body mass decrease was significantly larger and thirst ratings were significantly higher in the NF-trial compared to the FR-trial. In summary, water ingestion attenuated the during-exercise decrease in pleasure–displeasure and elicited an improvement after prolonged, submaximal running.