Effect of sodium bicarbonate supplementation on 2000-m rowing performance

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Science
• Human Performance

Background:

• High hydrogen ion (H+) concentrations can impede exercise performance by contributing to fatigue.
• Buffering H+ is crucial for maintaining performance during intense physical activity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of sodium bicarbonate (SB) supplementation on 2000-meter rowing-ergometer performance.
• To determine if SB enhances endurance capacity in male rowers.

Main Methods:

• Double-blinded, randomized, counterbalanced crossover design with 20 male rowers.
• Participants completed two 2000-m time trials after ingesting either SB (0.3 g/kg body mass) or a placebo.
• Performance times, split times, and blood markers (lactate, pH, bicarbonate) were recorded and analyzed.

Main Results:

• Magnitude-based inferences indicated a likely performance benefit from SB compared to placebo (410.7s vs 412.0s).
• SB supplementation significantly improved performance in the third and fourth 500-meter splits of the 2000-m rowing trial.
• Hematological markers showed significant differences between SB and placebo conditions and across pre- to post-exercise measurements.

Conclusions:

• Sodium bicarbonate supplementation is likely beneficial for 2000-m rowing performance.
• The ergogenic effect of SB appears most pronounced in the second half of the rowing event.