Sodium Bicarbonate (NAHCO3) Beverages on Performance in Response to Short and Middle-Distance Runners

Abstract

Sport performance declines due to the increases of acidity levels in the body during anaerobic activities. Thus, the production of bicarbonate in the body is critical for neutralizing acidity. Nevertheless, the effect of having a bicarbonate-containing beverage on the performance of Sri Lankan sportsmen has not been explored yet. Therefore, the aim of this research was to identify the effectiveness of using sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) contained drinks on the performance of national juniorlevel short and middle-distance runners. Twenty athletes (n=20; women 70%, men 30%; mean age=19 years) of national junior-level short distance and middle distance (200m, 400m, 800m, and 1500m events) were randomly selected. Data were collected over 02 days. On the first day, a 400ml solution of deionized water was administered 1½ hours before the event, as a clinically ineffective solution for the placebo experiment. After 1½ hours of administration of the respective solution, the time to complete their running event (t1) was recorded. On the 2nd day, 1½ hours before the event, sodium bicarbonate 300 mg per 01 kg of body weight in relation to the whole body weight after mixing 400 ml of water was provided following the identical process of the previous day, then the race time was recorded (t2). The time was taken by the same experienced timekeeper on both days. According to the paired sample t-test analysis, except 1500 m (0.06) event, 800m (-1.23), 400 m (-0.77) and 200m (-1.39) events performance was significantly improved (p< 0.05) with the use of bicarbonate. Accordingly, it could be concluded that in contrast to the 1500 m event, 200m, 400m, and 800m running events used sodium bicarbonate significantly to reduce the running time and improve the performance. Hence it reveals that sodium bicarbonate decreases the acidity in working muscles to help athletes particularly 200m, 400m and 800 m to run comparatively less time with high intensity than previous levels.