The Impact of Consuming an Electrolyte Drink Pre vs Post-Workout on Recovery as Measured through Urinary Indicators in Collegiate Cross-Country Runners

BACKGROUND: Hydration is crucial in sports, as dehydration can decrease strength, endurance, and power. Drinking electrolytes before and after intense exercise can promote hydration. Few studies have compared the difference in consuming electrolytes pre/post-workout. The impact of consuming electrolyte drinks can be assessed by comparing pre/post-workout urinary biomarkers (UB). PURPOSE: To determine if drinking electrolytes before/after a workout improves post-workout recovery as measured by heart rate (HR) and UB in collegiate Cross Country (CC) runners. METHODS: 21 CC runners (43% men, 20±3 years) were divided into four groups. For four weeks (Sep-Oct 2024), participants consumed Liquid IV (LIV) or a placebo before or after their CC workout. Each week, the timing/drink that the participants consumed switched. Urine samples and weight were taken immediately before/after their workout. HR/urine samples were taken 1.5 and 3 hours post workout. HR and UB were analyzed in order to compare recovery within/between groups. Data was analyzed via repeated measures ANOVA. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in HR, RPE, blood, protein, nitrites, ketones, and glucose concentrations between groups. Post-LIV groups had greater urobilinogen (besides 3 hours post-workout). Before the workout, the pre-LIV groups had lower specific gravities (SGs) than the post-LIV groups (p=0.03). After 3 hours, the pre-LIV groups had lower SGs than the pre-placebo groups. Males had a higher sweat loss than females for each trial (p<0.05). Females had greater leukocyte values throughout the duration of the study (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: LIV may not be as effective in promoting recovery in trained individuals who complete a workout in normal conditions; however, it may help with hydration as seen by the SG differences. Future research should focus on the performance and recovery of maximal effort endurance events.