Single-Session Trial of Hydrogen-Rich Water Bathing After High-Intensity Exercise

In this study, the authors reported numerical differences in blood markers and soreness perception after a single 30-minute whole-body bath in supersaturated hydrogen-rich water compared with a control bath. Measurements were taken before and 24 hours after exercise.

Study Summary

This double-blind, crossover pilot trial involved six healthy young men (average age 24 years) who completed a high-intensity leg-press exercise designed to induce muscle soreness. After each exercise session, participants were immersed up to the neck in either a hydrogen-rich water bath (8 mg H₂ per L) or a control bath containing no hydrogen. Researchers measured blood markers of muscle stress and inflammation, and recorded self-reported muscle soreness immediately after bathing and again 24 hours later.

Results

Muscle damage (Creatine Kinase, CK):
After exercise, CK levels — a common marker used to track temporary muscle stress — rose in both groups but to a lesser extent in the hydrogen-bath condition.

Hydrogen bath: +4 % from baseline (343 → 357 U/L)

Control bath: +36 % from baseline (343 → 465 U/L)

Reported time × intervention interaction: p = 0.04

Other blood markers (LDH, aldolase, AST, troponin I, myoglobin, WBC, hs-CRP):
No statistically significant differences were found between groups (p > 0.05).
However, aldolase and AST rose within the control-bath condition, not in the hydrogen condition.

Muscle soreness (VAS score):
Participants reported a larger decrease in soreness after bathing in hydrogen water.

Immediately after bath: Hydrogen −33 % vs Control −20 % (p = 0.02)

24 hours later: Hydrogen −32 % vs Control −22 % (p = 0.03)

These between-group differences were reported as statistically significant by the authors.
No adverse effects were observed, aside from one mild skin-contact sensation reported during hydrogen bathing.

Why They Measured These Markers

Researchers use markers like creatine kinase (CK) to monitor how muscles respond to exercise-induced stress, and soreness scores (VAS) to gauge perceived recovery.
These indicators help track short-term physiological changes and are commonly used in sports and exercise research. In this trial, the reported differences reflect this specific study design, population, and measurement method.

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.