Influence of Hydration Status on Cognitive Function, Cardiovascular Responses, and Physical Performance in Healthy Adults
Updated: Sep 10
Research Paper | 2025 | Volume 2 | Issue -3 | Page 37-46
1) Dr. Shahan Layek, Independent Researcher, West Bengal, India
2) Dr. Manoj Kumar, Tutor, Department of Physiology, JHMC-WB
Abstract
Hydration status is a critical physiological determinant of cognitive function, cardiovascular stability, thermoregulation, and physical performance. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of varying hydration states on cognitive performance, cardiovascular responses, and physical capacity in healthy adults. Participants underwent standardized assessments under adequately hydrated and mild dehydration conditions. Hydration status was evaluated using body mass changes, urine-specific gravity, and subjective thirst ratings. Cognitive function was assessed through tests of attention, working memory, reaction time, and executive function, while cardiovascular responses were evaluated using heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and related hemodynamic measures at rest and following exercise. Physical performance was assessed using endurance capacity, perceived exertion, and standardized exercise tasks. Mild dehydration was associated with reduced attention and working-memory performance, slower reaction times, and greater subjective fatigue. Cardiovascular responses were characterized by an increased heart rate and greater cardiovascular strain, particularly during physical activity. Dehydrated participants also demonstrated reduced exercise endurance and increased ratings of perceived exertion compared with the adequately hydrated condition. These findings suggest that even modest disturbances in hydration may adversely influence multiple physiological and functional domains. Maintaining adequate hydration may therefore contribute to optimal cognitive efficiency, cardiovascular regulation, and physical performance in healthy adults, particularly during prolonged physical activity, environmental heat exposure, or cognitively demanding tasks.
Keywords: Hydration status, dehydration, cognitive function, cardiovascular response, physical performance, healthy adults, exercise physiology.