A COMPARISON OF A CARBOHYDRATE-ELECTROLYTE BEVERAGE VERSUS A PLACEBO BEVERAGE IN MAINTAINING THERMOREGULATORY AND BLOOD HOMEOSTASIS DURING THE TRAINING OF FIRE FIGHTERS

The efficacy of ingesting carbohydrate-electrolyte (GP) beverages duri ng intermittent and protracted aerobic exercise has been clearly demon strated. Therefore, the present investigation focused on the practical application of ingesting GP beverages during intermittent fire fighti ng. This investigation included the determination of the efficacy of a carbohydrate-electrolyte beverage in maintaining blood and temperatur e homeostasis during fire-fighter training. Healthy fire fighters (n = 7, age 31.5-37.5 years) volunteered for participation. Subjects compl eted two field tests in which they consumed either 473 ml of a placebo (P = non-nutrient beverage) or GP beverage (7% glucose polymers) at b aseline and every 30 min during a 120-min fire-fighting training sessi on. The experimental design was double blind. Venous blood samples wer e drawn pretest, midtest, and posttest and analyzed for [hematocrit], [glucose], [Na+], [K+], cortisol, and osmolality. Heart rate (HR) was determined via a bolter monitor. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) vi a the Borg 15-point scale and oral temperature were also measured. Ana lysis of variance revealed no significant differences across time or b etween beverages in maintaining blood electrolyte or temperature homeo stasis. Cortisol, RPE, and HR increased (p < .05) as work increased. T he GP beverage did not provide any significant physiological benefits to fire fighters during intermittent training.