Urine cortisol and cortisone and water intake in athletes

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the urine cortisol (F) and cortisone (E) relation, having a well-defined water intake.

Methods: Urine specimens were collected from 10 male trained cyclists (19+/-1 year, 70+/-4 kg, 179+/-4 cm), at rest just before the test (pre-exe) and until 45 min after the cycle ergometer exercise test (45 min at 50-60% VO2max) (post-exe) in the morning. This investigation measured the diuresis in the pre-exe and post-exe after each athlete had drunk 1 L of water from waking-up, after bladder emptying, to the start of the test (pre-exe) and 1 L during the 45 min after the exercise (post-exe).

Results: Urinary F and E concentrations demonstrated a significant decrease comparing pre-exe with post-exe (177+/-134 vs 64+/-21 and 706+/-475 vs 372+/-178 nmol.L(-1) respectively, p < 0.05). This significant decrease was verified when diuresis and urinary creatinine were taken into account and the ratio measured.

Conclusion: One litre of water intake after exercise seemed to have no effect on urine F and E excretion. Moreover the urine F/E ratio was not statistically different comparing pre-exe with post-exe.