Acute induced metabolic alkalosis via NaHCO3 ingestion improved 800-m race time by 2.9 seconds compared to placebo and control conditions in trained middle-distance runners.
RCT (n=6)
Does NaHCO3 ingestion improve 800-m racing time in trained middle-distance runners?
Acute induced metabolic alkalosis via NaHCO3 ingestion provides an ergogenic benefit by improving 800-m racing time in trained runners.
Mean Difference: 2.9
Six trained middle-distance runners wer studied under alkalotic (NaHCO3 ingestion), placebo (CaCO3 ingestion), and control conditions to determine the effect of an acute induced metabolic alkalosis on time to run an 800-m race. Pre-exercise, following NaHCO3 ingestion, pH and standard HCO3- were significantly higher. In the alkalotic condition, subjects ran faster (2.9 s) and the corresponding post-exercise values for blood lactate and extracellular H+ were higher than in the control and placebo conditions, suggesting an increased anaerobic energy contribution. These results support the speculation that the increase in extracellular buffering following NaHCO3 ingestion facilitated H+ efflux from the cells of working muscle, thereby delaying the decrease in intracellular pH and postponing fatigue. It is concluded that the ingestion of NaHCO3 by trained middle-distance runners prior to an 800-m race has an ergogenic benefit.
Wilkes et al. (1983) conducted an RCT in Healthy trained middle-distance runners (n=6). NaHCO3 ingestion vs. Placebo (CaCO3 ingestion) and control conditions was evaluated on Time to run an 800-m race (2.9 s faster). Acute induced metabolic alkalosis via NaHCO3 ingestion improved 800-m race time by 2.9 seconds compared to placebo and control conditions in trained middle-distance runners.