Hydrogen inhalation in combat sport athletes: an overview of physiological and performance-related outcomes
Abstract
Background: Reactive oxygen species play an important role in skeletal muscle adaptation to exercise; however, excessive production during high-intensity exercise may contribute to oxidative stress and muscle damage. Inconsistent findings regarding the effects of molecular hydrogen on maximal exercise performance prompted the present study. Objective: To assess the impact of one-month hydrogen inhalation on performance metrics, blood lactate, and biochemical parameters in young combat sport athletes after intense training. Methods: Ten combat sport athletes participated in a prospective clinical study. Exhaled H₂ and CH₄ (GastroCH4ECK, Bedfont, UK), blood parameters and cardiovascular function, and key performance metrics (treadmill and rowing machine tests) were assessed before and after hydrogen inhalation. Lactate was measured by pre- and post-exercise. Results: Hydrogen inhalations reduced exhaled methane levels, primarily in individuals with high baseline methane production. Hydrogen inhalations were also associated with lower alkaline phosphatase levels, prolonged coagulation times, and modulated lactate levels—decreasing before exercise and increasing after exercise—without affecting blood cell counts. The treadmill test revealed a lower diastolic blood pressure at the aerobic and anaerobic thresholds, as well as a higher respiratory quotient, compared to pre‑inhalation values. In the rowing machine test, participants covered a greater distance in 2 minutes and showed faster recovery of systolic blood pressure (within 5 minutes) compared to pre‑inhalation levels. Conclusion: Hydrogen inhalation demonstrated beneficial effects on cardiovascular function, blood coagulation, and alkaline phosphatase levels. These enhancements may lead to increased endurance, overall fitness, and improved performance in athletes, positioning hydrogen inhalation as a promising approach to optimize training effectiveness. Novelty: The present study clearly demonstrates the beneficial effects of long-term hydrogen inhalation on athletes' endurance performance and physical fitness. Keywords: hydrogen inhalation, lactate, coagulation system, physical exercise.