Sodium bicarbonate intake improves high-intensity intermittent exercise performance in trained young men

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Nutrition
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Sodium bicarbonate (SBC) supplementation is known to improve exercise tolerance.
• Its specific effects on high-intensity intermittent exercise performance remain less understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of sodium bicarbonate intake on Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 2 (Yo-Yo IR2) performance in trained young men.

Main Methods:

• Thirteen trained young men performed the Yo-Yo IR2 test twice, once with (SBC) and once without (CON) sodium bicarbonate (0.4 g·kg⁻¹).
• Measurements included heart rate, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and frequent venous blood sampling for pH, bicarbonate, lactate, glucose, potassium (K+), and sodium (Na+).

Main Results:

• Yo-Yo IR2 performance was significantly higher by 14% in the SBC trial compared to the CON trial (735 ± 61 m vs. 646 ± 46 m).
• Blood pH and bicarbonate levels were elevated prior to the Yo-Yo IR2 test in the SBC condition.
• Peak blood lactate levels were also higher in the SBC condition, while heart rate and blood glucose, K+, and Na+ showed no significant differences between trials. RPE was lower after 440m in SBC.

Conclusions:

• Prior intake of sodium bicarbonate improves high-intensity intermittent exercise performance in trained young men.
• This enhancement is associated with increased blood alkalosis, elevated peak blood lactate, and a reduced rating of perceived exertion.