The Effects of Acute Sodium Bicarbonate Supplementation on Repeated Sprint Ability in Recreationally Active College-Aged Males

This study investigated the effects of acute ingestion of sodium bicarbonate on fatigue and power output during a repeated-sprint cycling protocol (10 x 6 second sprints interspersed with 30 seconds of passive recovery) in college-aged males. Nine males participated, but one was dropped. Following the completion of two familiarization sessions, participants were randomly assigned, in a counterbalanced fashion, to begin in the experimental group (NaHCO3) or placebo group (NaCl) utilizing a crossover design format, so that all participants engaged in both conditions. Participants supplemented with 0.3 g/kg of sodium bicarbonate and / or 0.1 g/kg of sodium chloride 60 minutes before exercise and were administered in a double-blind format with the ingestion of a 1.5 g/kg fixed carbohydrate meal and 7 ml/kg of fluid to help minimize possible GI upset. There were no significant findings for: Average Mean Power Output (AMPO), Average Peak Power Output (APPO), Average Delta Blood Lactate (ADBL), Average Heart Rate (AHR), Average Rating of Perceived Exertion (ARPE), and fatigue. The mean and standard deviations are listed for the placebo vs experimental conditions: AMPO (907.44 ± 166.86 vs 921.10 ± 162.91 Watts), where (f = 2.062, p = 0.37). APPO (1180.59 ± 242.56 vs 1196.34 ± 239.46 Watts), where (f = 0.667, p = 0.737). ADBL (8.03 ± 1.84 vs 9.13 ± 3.05 mmol/L), where (t = -1.856, p = .113). AHR (161.89 ± 6.94 vs 164.00 ± 8.11 beats per minute), where (t = -1.202, p = 0.268). ARPE (15.25 ± 1.06 vs 14.93 ± 1.15), where (t = 1.075, p = 0.318). Fatigue (10.48 ± 3.17 vs 9.88 ± 4.28 percent), where (t = .780, p = .461). Amount of supplement ingested, and training status likely influenced results. Acidosis may only play a minimal role in fatigue and decline in sport performance during repeated sprint activities in this population. Further research is recommended to investigate the causes of fatigue and the role it plays in repeated sprint ability (RSA).