Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Administration Building, University of Birjand, University Blvd., Birjand, Southern Khorasan, Iran
2 Physiotherapy Research Center, School of Rehabilitation, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
3 Department of Sport Sciences, University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran
4 Assistant Professor of Sports Biomechanics
Abstract
Background: Due to the high amount of water in watermelon, this study aimed to investigate the effect of watermelon juice compared to carbohydrate drinks and water on rehydration and anaerobic performance.
Method: In this quasi-experimental study, twelve active adolescents experienced weight loss of about 2% in three separate sessions, one week apart, by running a treadmill exercise program including two sets of 30-minute aerobic activity in a 10-minute rest between them. Then, they consumed one of three drinks of water, carbohydrate, and watermelon juice at 125% of weight loss and in each session, after two hours, they performed a 300-yard shuttle run test. Urine specific gravity (USG) and participants’ weight were measured during three stages including before, after dehydration protocol, and before anaerobic performance.
Results: Data analysis showed no significant difference in USG (P=0.41) and 300-yard shuttle run test (P=0.87) after consuming three drinks. There was a significant difference (P=0.001) in weight gain after consuming three drinks; so the means of weight gain with watermelon juice and carbohydrate drink were higher than water.
Conclusion: The results indicated the same effect of carbohydrate drinks and watermelon juice on weight return, rehydration, and subsequent anaerobic performance. However, due to the fact that watermelon juice contains vitamins and minerals, it is suggested that athletes use this drink instead of carbohydrate drinks.
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