Date of Graduation

Fall 2015

Degree

Master of Science in Health Promotion and Wellness Management

Department

Public Health and Sports Medicine

Committee Chair

Scott Richmond

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine or assess if sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) supplementation is a plausible method of delaying fatigue in a maximal effort bout of exercise. Fourteen, college aged, cardiovascular trained males participated in the study (Age- 21.38 +- 1.50y, Height- 180.46 +- 10.12cm, Weight- 79.15 +- 9.28kg). Sodium bicarbonate was compared with sodium chloride and a baseline. Following the initial meeting and tolerance test, participants completed 3 exercise trials which consisted of Day 1: Initial meeting & tolerance testing and Days 2, 3, and 4: Exercise Test Sessions 1-3. Data being collected was run time, RPE, pre exercise blood lactate, and post exercise blood lactate. The exercise test consisted of a maximal treadmill run test at 8 mph and 15% grade incline. The supplement was ingested 1.5 hours prior to the run. An analysis of variance test showed no significant different in run times, RPE, or pre exercise blood lactate. However, the study did find significant differences in post exercise blood lactate between sodium bicarbonate and sodium chloride, and sodium bicarbonate and the control. The study refutes sodium bicarbonate as an effective as ergogenic aid for this specific exercise domain.

Keywords

sodium bicarbonate, blood lactate, lactic acid, maximal treadmill test, rating of perceived exertion

Subject Categories

Health and Medical Administration

Copyright

© Tony John Ramos

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