Sodium bicarbonate improves sprint performance in endurance cycling

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Nutritional Supplementation

Background:

• Oral sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) is known to improve performance in short, maximal exercises by inducing metabolic alkalosis.
• Its effect on all-out performance at the conclusion of endurance events remains less understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of stacked sodium bicarbonate loading on sprint performance after a 3-hour simulated cycling race.
• To determine if NaHCO₃ enhances maximal exercise capacity at the end of an endurance event.

Main Methods:

• A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over study was conducted with eleven trained male cyclists.
• Participants ingested either 300mgkg^-1 body weight NaHCO₃ or a placebo (NaCl) in two doses (prior to and during) a 3-hour simulated cycling race.
• A 90-second all-out sprint was performed at the end of the race, with blood samples analyzed for pH, lactate, and bicarbonate concentrations.

Main Results:

• Sodium bicarbonate intake significantly improved mean power output during the final 90-second sprint by approximately 3% compared to placebo.
• Peak blood lactate concentrations and heart rate during the sprint were higher following NaHCO₃ ingestion.
• NaHCO₃ supplementation effectively increased blood bicarbonate concentrations and blood pH prior to the sprint.

Conclusions:

• Ingesting sodium bicarbonate before and during endurance exercise enhances short, all-out exercise performance at the event's conclusion.
• Sodium bicarbonate supplementation presents a viable strategy for improving performance and success rates in endurance competitions.