Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of the simultaneous use of pyridoxine-alpha-ketoglutarate (PAK) and sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) on short-term maximal exercise capacity in 8 well-trained male cyclists. The study consisted of the determination of maximal power output (test 1) and the administration of various combinations of placebos, PAK and NaHCO3, followed by a short-term maximal exercise test. The subjects were administered either placebo (PLA), PAK and sodium bicarbonate (P/B), PAK and placebo, or sodium bicarbonate and placebo (BIC) prior to performing short-term maximal exercise (test 2). Oral tablets of NaHCO3 and PAK were given in doses of 200 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg, respectively. The subjects pedalled at the power output corresponding to 100 of their VO2 max at 70 rev/min until voluntary cessation or until they were unable to maintain pedal revolution rate. Venous blood samples were drawn at rest (RES), cessation of exercise (CES) and after 2 min of recovery (REC) and analysed for lactate, pH and bicarbonate ion concentration. The subjects attained an average maximum power output of 377+/-20 W during the graded maximal pre-test (test 1). There were no significant differences between treatments in the ability to sustain power max during test 2. In summary, our data suggest that in the dosages used in this study, administration of sodium bicarbonate or PAK is ineffective in increasing short-term maximal exercise capacity. Verf.-Referat (gekuerzt)