Plasma volume (PV) and electrolyte shifts were measured before and for 60 min after a continuous peak oxygen uptake (VO2 peak) test in four men (26-45 yr) on a bicycle ergometer. Mean (+/-SE) sitting VO2peak (3.16 +/- 0.32 1/min) was the same as supine VO2peak (3.13 +/- 0.33 1/min). In recovery (R + 1.5 min), mean PV had decreased by 477 ml (-16.1%, P less than 0.05) in the sitting and by 548 ml (-17.6%, P less than 0.05) in the supine positions, whereas total osmolality increased progressively with its peak at R + 3.5 min. The percentage losses of protein, total Ca2+, and ionized Cai2+ were about half as great as the percentage loss in PV, indicating a selective retention of these constituents. Calculated osmolality (sigma Na+, K+, Cl-, Cai2+) returned to control levels within 1.5 min after sitting exercise but required about 15 min after supine exercise. These small increases in protein concentration were not likely to significantly aid restitution of plasma volume and the ions were probably in equilibrium across the capillary membrane. So a change in hydrostatic and/or systemic blood pressures most likely provided the force for restitution of plasma volume.