Abstract

9 healthy male athletic subjects volunteered to take part in this study, the aim of which was to determine whether there are specific dosages of sodium bicarbonate (HCO3) that are useful as an ergogenic aid as far as anaerobic performance times are concerned. A control, placebo (CaCO3 500 mg/kg) and 5 dosages of bicarbonate (100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 mg/kg) were used. The anaerobic test consisted of pedalling a cycle ergometer for 1 min during which total work (KJ) and peak power (W) were measured. The subjects completed more work in the 200, 300, 400 and 500 mg/kg trials with most work being undertaken in the 300 mg/kg trial (41.9 kJ/min). Peak power was not significantly different from the control until the 300 mg/kg dose, and there were no further changes from this with increasing doses of HCO3. The highest level of peak power achieved was 1295+/-72.8 W at the 300 mg/kg dosage. Blood pH as well as changes in base excess indicated that after ingestion of all but the 100 mg/kg dose, a state of alkalosis was achieved. Bicarbonate levels increased post-ingestion in all but the 100 mg/kg dose, with these changes reflecting the changes in work output. Blood lactate (BLa) levels increased post-exercise. The BLa level during ingestion of the 200 mg/kg dose was higher than the control, placebo or 100 mg/kg dose, and this was also true for the 3 remaining doses. In conclusion, it is suggested that the optimal dosage of bicarbonate for anaerobic performance of 1 min is 300 mg/kg. Verf.-Referat (gekuerzt)