Randomised Trial of Hydrogen-Rich Water Bathing for Acute Ankle Sprain in Professional Athletes

In this study, the authors reported that hydrotherapy with hydrogen-rich water was equivalent to a standard RICE protocol in professional athletes with acute ankle sprain in measures of swelling, range of motion and balance.

Study Summary

This randomized, parallel-group non-inferiority pilot trial included 18 male professional athletes (mean ± SD age 23.7 ± 4.0 years; weight 78.6 ± 5.7 kg; height 182.5 ± 4.3 cm) who suffered an acute sport-related ankle sprain. Participants were assigned to either a hydrogen-rich water ankle bathing group (n = 9) or a standard RICE (rest-ice-compression-elevation) protocol group (n = 9). The hydrogen group received six 30-minute ankle baths with hydrogen-rich water throughout the first 24 hours post-injury (one every ~4 hours). The RICE group received ice packs for 20 minutes every 3 hours, ankle compression and elevation for 24 hours. Researchers measured ankle swelling, range of motion, single-leg balance (eyes open/closed), and inflammatory biomarkers.

Results

The authors reported the following numerical comparisons between the hydrogen-rich water group and the RICE group:

Ankle swelling (% change):

Hydrogen-rich water group: 2.1 ± 0.9%

RICE group: 1.6 ± 0.8%

Difference: +0.5%
(p = 0.26)
This reflects the percentage change in swelling measured over the 24-hour protocol.

Range of motion (cm):

Hydrogen-rich water group: 2.4 ± 1.3 cm

RICE group: 2.7 ± 0.8 cm

Difference: −0.3 cm
(p = 0.60)
These values show the measured changes in ankle range of motion after treatment.

Single-leg balance (eyes open):

Hydrogen-rich water group: 18.4 ± 8.2 seconds

RICE group: 10.7 ± 8.0 seconds

Difference: +7.7 seconds
(p = 0.06)
This reflects the duration athletes could hold a single-leg stance with eyes open.

Single-leg balance (eyes closed):

Hydrogen-rich water group: 5.6 ± 8.4 seconds

RICE group: 3.9 ± 4.2 seconds

Difference: +1.7 seconds
(p = 0.59)
This reflects the duration athletes could hold a single-leg stance with eyes closed.

The authors reported that hydrotherapy with hydrogen-rich water was non-inferior to the conventional RICE protocol in this setting.

Why They Measured These Markers

Researchers monitor markers such as joint swelling, range of motion and single-leg balance in acute soft-tissue injuries to assess recovery and functional improvement. These indicators can shift due to treatment protocols, inflammation levels, tissue damage and loading conditions. In this trial, the reported values reflect the specific injury model, treatment timing and athlete population.

Important Note: These results describe outcomes from this single research study. They are not general health claims and do not describe the effects of any product.

Read the full study here.