The Effect of Sodium Bicarbonate Intake on Maximum Muscle Strength during High-Intensity Exercise of a Sprinter

This study investigated the effect of sodium bicarbonate (HCO3^-) intake on maximum muscle strength variables during eight weeks of high-intensity exercise of a sprinter.

The study was conducted on 30 elite sprint athletes in Seoul, Republic of Korea as in 2016 with ≥3 yr of an athletic career by assigning 10 each to three groups (the control, training, and sodium bicarbonate-training combination groups [HCO3^- and training group]). The training group and the HCO3^- and training group participated in a high-intensity exercise program for 90 min per session, five days a week for eight weeks in total, and it involved 80%-90% heart rate max intensity increase every 2-3 weeks, and allocation of internal exercise, aquatic exercise, and hill exercise. HCO3^- was provided to the HCO3^- and training group, and involved an intake of 300 g of HCO3^- per 1 kg body weight, once a day, 90 min prior to the high-intensity exercise program for eight weeks.

HCO3^- intake during high-intensity training had a positive effect on maximum muscle strength. A positive effect was observed in the HCO3^- and training groups; however, the effect on maximum muscle strength was stronger in the HCO3^- and training groups. In particular, the effect on maximum muscle strength was observed during extension than during flexing starting from the fourth week of the exercise program with HCO3^- intake.

HCO3^- intake during 8 weeks of high-intensity training began to have a positive effect on maximum muscle strength. Therefore, HCO3^- intake during high-intensity exercise is effective in improving exercise capacity.