Sodium bicarbonate ingestion mitigates the heat-induced hyperventilation and reduction in cerebral blood velocity during exercise in the heat

Abstract

Hyperthermia causes hyperventilation and concomitant hypocapnia and cerebral hypoperfusion. The cerebral hypoperfusion may underlie central fatigue. We demonstrate that sodium bicarbonate ingestion reduces heat-induced hyperventilation and attenuates hypocapnia-related cerebral hypoperfusion during prolonged exercise in the heat. In addition, we show that sodium bicarbonate ingestion reduces ratings of perceived exertion during the exercise. This study provides new insight into the development of an effective strategy for preventing central fatigue during exercise in the heat.