Soda Doping in Middle Distance Running: 1252: Board #4 May 30 3:15 PM - 5:15 PM

Competitive middle distance running is performed at 95% of VO_2max and can result in lactates as high as 11 mmol/L as compared to long distance running (85-90% VO_2max and 6 mmol/L). Thus, 800 meter runners may benefit from the potential ergogenic effects of sodium bicarbonate ingestion. Previous lab based research has resulted in equivocal benefits of bicarbonate ingestion while few running studies have used field based investigations.

PURPOSE: To examine the ergogenicity of induced metabolic alkalosis via sodium bicarbonate ingestion on middle distance running performance (800 meters).

METHODS: Eight competitive collegiate middle distance runners (body wt = 64±6.2 kg) participated in three 800 meter runs with 7 day recovery periods under three separate treatment conditions (control (CO), sodium bicarbonate (SB) at 0.3 g/kg body wt, and placebo - calcium carbonate(CC)) administered in a random double blind fashion. A prestudy determined time to peak blood bicarbonate levels (mean=98.8±16.9 min; 30.4±1.6 mmol/L) which was used in treatment administration. SB was given via gelatin capsule flavored with peppermint extract and 500 ml H₂O flavored with Crystal light. Arterialized blood samples were taken from the finger tips five minutes prior to and immediately after completion of each run and analyzed for lactate with bicarbonate determined from pH and pCO₂ levels using Henderson-Hasselbalch equation. Oral body temperature was used to adjust blood gas values to in vivo conditions.

RESULTS: Repeated measures ANOVA with post hoc comparisons using Newman-Keuls resulted in significant (p<.05) post run differences in pH (SB>CO: 7.27± 0.07 vs. 7.13±0.14), bicarbonate (SB>CO,CC: 11.2±2.2 vs. 7.5±2.2, 9.7±1.9 mmol/L, respectively) and lactate (SB>CO, CC: 12.5±1.3 vs. 11.0±1.7, 10.3±2.1 mmol/L, respectively) while no significant differences were observed in performance times (SB vs. CC: 126.8±2.4 vs. 128.5±1.6 sec).

CONCLUSIONS: These results do not support SB as an ergogenic aid in middle distance running despite favorable blood changes and possible individual benefits. Minimizing gastric discomfort and fluid volume ingested are a critical issues needing further investigation.