ROLE OF TASTE PREFERENCE ON FLUID INTAKE DURING AND AFTER 90 MIN OF RUNNING AT 60-PERCENT OF (V)OVER-DOT-O-2MAX IN THE HEAT

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship b etween taste preference and total fluid intake during a 90-min run at 60% (V) over dot O-2max as well as during a 90-min period of seated re covery under hyperthermic conditions (30 degrees C, 50% RH), comparing the ad libitum intake of water and two carbohydrate-electrolyte drink s tone containing 6% CHO and the other 8% CHO) randomized over three t rails. Methods: Fifteen men runners and triathletes, 18 to 40 yr of ag e, completed an initial test to determine (V) over dot O-2max, a pract ice 90-min run at 60% (V) over dot O-2max, and three experimental 90-m in run/90-min recovery trials on separate days approximately 1 wk apar t. Results: There were no differences across the three treatments in f luid intake, rectal temperature, or RPE during exercise, but subjects consumed 54% and 59% more fluid during recovery with the two carbohydr ate-electrolyte drinks compared with water. When comparing the subject s' trials with the most liked versus the least liked of the three flui ds, they consumed more of the most liked fluid during exercise (1.10 v s 0.97 L.90 min(-1)) but not during recovery (1.02 vs 0.90 L.90 min(-1 ), ns). Conclusions: Thus, perceived taste of a beverage is important for fluid replacement during exercise.