Sodium Bicarbonate Supplementation in Combat Sports Athletes

The Effect of Sodium Bicarbonate Supplementation on Physical and Specific Performance Capacity in Combat Sports Athletes

The purpose of this study was to verify the effect of 10-day sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) and placebo (PLA) supplementation on physical and specific performance capacity, as well as concentrations of the selected biochemical blood markers in trained combat sports athletes, in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) was proposed as an ergogenic agent, because it improves high-intensity and resistance exercise performance. Until now the major limitation to NaHCO3 supplementation has been the gastrointestinal (GI) side effects. Therefore, this study aims to examine the effect of chronic, progressive-dose NaHCO3 ingestion on physical capacity and specific performance capacity, and concentrations of the selected biochemical blood markers in trained combat sports athletes, in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Inclusion Criteria:

• written informed consent from all participants before the study (included aslo informed consents to the participation in the study of athletes under the age of 18 obtained from their parents)
• a current medical clearance to practice sports,
• training experience: at least 4 years (of combat sport training),
• minimum of 4 workout sessions (combat sport) a week,

Exclusion Criteria:

• current injury,
• any health-related contraindication,
• declared general feeling of being unwell,
• unwilling to follow the study protocol.