The Effects of Supersaturated Hydrogen-Rich Water Bathing on Biomarkers of Muscular Damage and Soreness Perception in Young Men Subjected to High-Intensity Eccentric Exercise.

Abstract

This pilot crossover study examined whether a single 30-minute whole-body immersion in supersaturated hydrogen-rich water (HRW; 8 mg H2/L) could reduce muscle damage following high-intensity eccentric exercise in six healthy young men. Using a double-blind design, participants bathed in either HRW or control water immediately after a DOMS-inducing exercise session. At 24-hour follow-up, serum creatine kinase (CK), aldolase, and aspartate transaminase remained near baseline in the HRW group, whereas all three markers rose significantly in the control group (e.g., CK: 342 ± 309 vs. 465 ± 295 U/L). Visual Analogue Scale scores for muscle soreness were significantly lower in the HRW condition both immediately post-bath and at 24 hours. No serious adverse events were recorded, supporting the safety and potential utility of supersaturated HRW bathing for post-exercise muscle recovery.

Mechanism

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of dissolved molecular hydrogen are proposed to limit exercise-induced oxidative stress in muscle tissue, thereby suppressing the release of damage markers such as CK, aldolase, and AST into circulation.