Metabolic alkalosis, recovery and sprint performance

Int J Sports Med. 2010 Nov;31(11):797-802. doi: 10.1055/s-0030-1261943. Epub 2010 Aug 11.

Abstract

Pre-exercise alkalosis and an active recovery improve the physiological state of recovery through slightly different mechanisms (e. g. directly increasing extracellular bicarbonate (HCO3 (-)) vs. increasing blood flow), and combining the two conditions may provide even greater influence on blood acid-base recovery from high-intensity exercise. Nine subjects completed four trials (Placebo Active ( PLAC A), sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) Active ( BICARB A), Placebo Passive ( PLAC P) and NaHCO3 Passive ( BICARB P)), each consisting of three, 30-s maximal efforts with a three min recovery between each effort. Pre-exercisealkalosis was evident in both NaHCO3 conditions, as pH and HCO3 (-) were significantly higher than both Placebo conditions (pH: 7.46 ± 0.04 vs. 7.39 ± 0.02; HCO3 (-): 28.8 ± 1.9 vs. 23.2 ± 1.4 mmol·L (-1); p<0.001). In terms of performance, significant interactions were observed for average speed (p<0.05), with higher speeds evident in the BICARB A condition (3.9 ± 0.3 vs. 3.7 ± 0.4 m·s (-1)). Total distance covered was different (p=0.05), with post hoc differences evident between the BICARB A and PLAC P conditions (368 ± 33 vs. 364 ± 35 m). These data suggest that successive 30-s high intensity performance may be improved when coupled with NaHCO3 supplementation.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Acid-Base Equilibrium / physiology*
  • Alkalosis / metabolism*
  • Athletic Performance / physiology*
  • Bicarbonates / metabolism*
  • Extracellular Space / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Male
  • Recovery of Function / physiology
  • Running / physiology
  • Single-Blind Method
  • Sodium Bicarbonate / administration & dosage

Substances

  • Bicarbonates
  • Sodium Bicarbonate