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Pre-exercise alkalosis and acid-base recovery
J C Siegler1, S Keatley, A W Midgley
1Department of Sport, Health and Exercise Science, University of Hull, Hull, United Kingdom. J.Siegler@hull.ac.uk
International Journal of Sports Medicine
|November 16, 2007
Summary
Pre-exercise sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) ingestion improves acid-base recovery after intense exercise. Both active and passive recovery aid H+ removal, with active recovery being more effective.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Science
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Acid-base balance is crucial during high-intensity exercise.
- Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) is known to buffer acid production.
- Recovery strategies significantly impact physiological restoration post-exercise.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of pre-exercise sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) ingestion on acid-base recovery.
- To compare the effectiveness of active versus passive recovery modes following supramaximal exercise.
- To determine the combined effects of NaHCO3 and recovery mode on exercise performance and recovery.
Main Methods:
- Nine male subjects performed randomized cycle ergometer trials to volitional fatigue at 120% maximum power output.
- Four conditions were tested: NaHCO3 with passive recovery, NaHCO3 with active recovery, placebo with passive recovery, and placebo with active recovery.
- Capillary blood samples were collected every minute for 15 minutes during the recovery phase to analyze acid-base status.
Main Results:
- Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) ingestion significantly reduced acid-base perturbations compared to placebo.
- Active recovery facilitated hydrogen ion (H+) removal more effectively than passive recovery.
- Pre-exercise alkalosis attenuated blood acid-base disturbances irrespective of the recovery mode used.
Conclusions:
- Pre-exercise alkalosis induced by sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) ingestion is beneficial for acid-base recovery after supramaximal exercise.
- Active recovery enhances the removal of hydrogen ions (H+) post-exercise compared to passive recovery.
- Athletes may benefit from incorporating pre-exercise alkalotic strategies and passive recovery during high-intensity training.
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