Induced metabolic alkalosis and its effects on 400-m racing time (original) (raw)

Summary

Six trained male athletes who competed regularly in 400 metre races, were studied under control, alkalotic (NaHCO3) and placebo (CaCO3) conditions to study the effect of induced metabolic alkalosis on 400 m racing time. Pre and post exercise blood samples in the three conditions were analysed for pH, bicarbonate and base excess. Following ingestion of NaHCO3, pre-exercise pH, bicarbonate and base excess levels were significantly higher than either control or placebo conditions. In the alkalotic condition the subjects ran significantly (p<0.005) faster (1.52 s) than either the control of placebo conditions. The post-exercise pH, bicarbonate and base excess levels were all lower in the alkalotic condition than in the others. The results suggest that NaHCO3 can be used as an effective ergogenic aid and support the speculation that the increased extracellular buffering afforded by NaHCO3 ingestion facilitated efflux of H+ from the working tissues, thus decreasing intracellular pH and hence offsetting fatigue.

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Authors and Affiliations

1. Tasmanian Education Department, Tasmanian State Institute of Technology, Australia
   Jo Goldfinch
2. Tasmanian State Institute of Technology, Australia
   Lars Mc Naughton
3. 17 Brisbane Street, Launceston, Tasmania
   Peter Davies

Authors

1. Jo Goldfinch
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2. Lars Mc Naughton
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3. Peter Davies
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Goldfinch, J., Mc Naughton, L. & Davies, P. Induced metabolic alkalosis and its effects on 400-m racing time.Europ. J. Appl. Physiol. 57, 45–48 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00691236

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• Accepted: 29 June 1987
• Issue Date: January 1988
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00691236

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