The Effect of Sodium Bicarbonate Intake on Maximum Muscle Strength during High-Intensity Exercise of a Sprinter.

BACKGROUND

This study investigated the effect of sodium bicarbonate (HCO3) intake on maximum muscle strength variables during eight weeks of high-intensity exercise of a sprinter.

METHODS

The study was conducted on 30 elite sprint athletes in Seoul, Republic of Korea as in 2016 with ≥3 yr of an athletic career by assigning 10 each to three groups (the control, training, and sodium bicarbonate-training combination groups [HCO3 and training group]). The training group and the HCO3 and training group participated in a high-intensity exercise program for 90 min per session, five days a week for eight weeks in total, and it involved 80%-90% heart rate max intensity increase every 2-3 weeks, and allocation of internal exercise, aquatic exercise, and hill exercise. HCO3 was provided to the HCO3 and training group, and involved an intake of 300 g of HCO3 per 1 kg body weight, once a day, 90 min prior to the high-intensity exercise program for eight weeks.

RESULTS

HCO3 intake during high-intensity training had a positive effect on maximum muscle strength. A positive effect was observed in the HCO3 and training groups; however, the effect on maximum muscle strength was stronger in the HCO3 and training groups. In particular, the effect on maximum muscle strength was observed during extension than during flexing starting from the fourth week of the exercise program with HCO3 intake.

CONCLUSION

HCO3 intake during 8 weeks of high-intensity training began to have a positive effect on maximum muscle strength. Therefore, HCO3 intake during high-intensity exercise is effective in improving exercise capacity.