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.