Abstract
AbstractThe use of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) supplementation to improve repeated high-intensity performance is recommended; however, most swimming performance studies examine time trial efforts rather than repeated swims with interspersed recovery that are more indicative of training sessions. The aim of this study, therefore, was to investigate the effects of 0.3 g.kg−1 BM NaHCO3 supplementation on sprint interval swimming (8 × 50 m) in regionally trained swimmers. Fourteen regionally competitive male swimmers (body mass (BM): 73 ± 8 kg) volunteered for this double-blind, randomised, crossover designed study. Each participant was asked to swim 8 × 50 m (front crawl) at a maximum intensity from a diving block, interspersed with 50 m active recovery swimming. After one familiarisation trial, this was repeated on two separate occasions whereby participants ingested either 0.3 g.kg−1 BM NaHCO3 or 0.05 g.kg−1 BM sodium chloride (placebo) in solution 60 min prior to exercise. Whilst there were no differences in time to complete between sprints 1–4 (p > 0.05), improvements were observed in sprint 5 (p = 0.011; ES = 0.26), 6 (p = 0.014; ES = 0.39), 7 (p = 0.005; ES = 0.60), and 8 (p = 0.004; ES = 0.79). Following NaHCO3 supplementation, pH was greater at 60 min (p < 0.001; ES = 3.09), whilst HCO3− was greater at 60 min (p < 0.001; ES = 3.23) and post-exercise (p = 0.016; ES = 0.53) compared to placebo. These findings suggest NaHCO3 supplementation can improve the latter stages of sprint interval swimming performance, which is likely due to the augmentation of pH and HCO3− prior to exercise and the subsequent increase in buffering capacity during exercise.
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
Physiology (medical),Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health,Orthopedics and Sports Medicine,General Medicine,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health,Physiology
Reference44 articles.
1. Bishop D, Edge J, Davis C, Goodman C (2004) Induced metabolic alkalosis affects muscle metabolism and repeated-sprint ability. Med Sci Sports Exerc 36(5):807–813
2. Boegman S, Stellingwerff T, Shaw G, Clarke N, Graham K, Cross R, Siegler JC (2020) The impact of individualizing sodium bicarbonate supplementation strategies on world-class rowing performance. Front Nutr 7:138
3. Borg G (1982) Ratings of perceived exertion and heart rates during short-term cycle exercise and their use in a new cycling strength test. Int J Sports Med 3(03):153–158
4. Campos EZ, Sangali EB, Neto JG, Gobbi RB, Freitas Junior IF, Papoti M (2012) Effects of sodium bicarbonate ingestion during an intermittent exercise on blood lactate, stroke parameters, and performance of swimmers. J Exercise Physiol Online 15(6):84–92
5. Carr AJ, Hopkins WG, Gore CJ (2011) Effects of acute alkalosis and acidosis on performance. Sports Med 41(10):801–814