Fluid Restriction Negatively Influences Perceived Morning Alertness and Visuomotor Ability

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of two fluid intake protocols on alertness and reaction time before and after fluid intake. Healthy college-age males (n = 12) followed two fluid intake protocols on separate occasions: (1) prescribed fluid (PF) and fluid restricted (FR). In PF, participants were instructed to consume 500 mL of fluid the night prior to and the morning of data collection. In FR, participants were instructed to refrain from the consumption of fluid for 12 h. To assess hydration status, urine specific gravity and urine color were measured. Participants perceived level of thirst and alertness were also recorded. Participants then completed visuomotor reaction time tests using the Dynavision LED board, using both a central visuomotor test and a peripheral visuomotor test (PVRT) prior to (1) and following (2) the ingestion of 100 mL of water. Participants displayed significantly improved PVRT in PF state as compared to FR (PF1 = 1.13 +/- 0.16, PF2 = 1.04 +/- 0.14; FR1 = 1.27 +/- 0.27, FR2 = 1.18 +/- 0.20; p = 0.038, eta(2)(p) = 0.363). Both CVRT and PVRT improved over time, following the ingestion of 100 mL of fluid. Participants in the PF state were also significantly more alert than participants in the FR state (PF = 4 +/- 2, FR = 5 +/- 2; p = 0.019, ES = 0.839). Collectively, perceived alertness and PVRT were negatively impacted by FR.

Automated summary

This study assessed the effect of two fluid intake protocols on alertness and reaction time. The results showed that participants had significantly improved reaction time and alertness after following the prescribed fluid intake protocol. In contrast, participants who followed the fluid restricted protocol displayed poorer reaction time and alertness.