The effects of sodium bicarbonate ingestion on maximal tethered treadmill running

Aim. This work aimed to investigate the effects of bicarbonate buffering on repeated tethered treadmill sprinting. Eight males with the following physical characteristics (Mean±SD: Age,25.1±4.2 yr; height 177.5±7.1 cm; body weight 73.3±8.9 kg) undertook all testing over the period of seven days. Methods. Each subject undertook two test sessions (Placebo - P and Experimental - E) on a non-motorised treadmill. Subjects sprinted for 30 s followed by 180 s of passive recovery and repeated three times. The P trial was 0.045 g NaCl take in 500 ml flavoured water over the period of 60 min, while the E trial consisted of 0.3 g NaHCO₃·kg^-1 body weight taken in the same manner. Blood samples were taken pre ingestion, pre exercise, and at the end of each minute after each sprint session. Results. The total distance travelled in the bicarbonate group over the 90 s of activity were significantly (P<0.05) higher (409.1±27.6 m) than that travelled in the placebo condition (375.4±29.9 m). After ingestion of the sodium bicarbonate, pH was significantly higher in the E than in the P group (P<0.05). Conclusion. The use of sodium bicarbonate significantly increased tethered treadmill running most likely by buffering hydrogen ions produced through anaerobic glycolysis.