Hydrogen Water Baths Reduce Muscle Soreness After Intense Exercise

TL;DR

Bathing in hydrogen-rich water (HRW) after intense exercise may reduce muscle damage and soreness without causing side effects.

Key Finding

A single 30-minute bath in hydrogen-rich water prevented the typical increase in muscle damage biomarkers (creatine kinase, aldolase, and aspartate transaminase) at 24 hours after intense exercise and reduced muscle soreness perception compared to a regular water bath.

Summary

This small study tested whether bathing in hydrogen-rich water could help young men recover from intense exercise that causes muscle soreness. Six men did exercises designed to cause muscle damage, then either soaked in hydrogen-rich water or regular water for 30 minutes. Researchers measured muscle damage markers in the blood and asked participants to rate their soreness. The hydrogen-rich water bath appeared to prevent the typical rise in muscle damage markers and reduced soreness perception compared to regular water, with no reported side effects.

Practical Takeaway

This pilot study in just six young men suggests hydrogen-rich water bathing may support muscle recovery after intense exercise, but the very small sample size and lack of longer-term follow-up mean much more research is needed before drawing firm conclusions. The findings are promising enough to warrant larger studies, but individual results may vary.

Abstract (excerpt)

High-intensity eccentric exercise can cause a delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS), a short-term condition characterized by muscle damage and tenderness that might hold up recovery and jeopardize exercise routine. Previous studies indicated that hydrogen-rich water (HRW) might be a helpful…

Read the full abstract via DOI