Abstract

Five highly trained male rowers undertook two six minute tests on a Concept II rowing ergometer to determine whether 0.3 g/kg body weight of sodium bicarbonate (HCO3-) would enhance rowing performance. Prior to the two tests, blood was taken from a fingertip heated to 43-46 degrees C and analysed for pH, PO2, blood bicarbonate, blood lactate and base excess. Three 80 micro-l samples were taken from each of the subjects during each of the trials. One basal sample, one sample 1.5 hours post ingestion of each of the substances and one sample immediately post exercise were collected and analysed. The distance travelled in metres (m) was also obtained from the ergometer. There was a significant difference between the mean distance travelled in the experimental trial and that for the placebo trial. Blood pH levels fell in the placebo and experimental trials between basal and post exercise levels. In the experimental trial the pH level rose 1.5 hr post HCO3- ingestion, from a basal level of 7.24 +/- 0.03 to 7.48 +/- 0.04 and then fell post exercise to 6.882 +/- 0.062. Resting base excess levels were not significantly different between the two trials. In the experimental trial however, the HCO3- had the effect of increasing pre-exercise base excess to 1.90 +/- 0.7 mM/l which was significantly higher than in the pre-exercise placebo trial, of -4.98 +/- 1.11 mM/l. Post-exercise base excess fell significantly in all trials. Blood post-exercise lactate levels in the experimental trial were significantly higher than the placebo trials. Verf.-Ref.