Date of Award

Fall 2016

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Human Performance

Department

Kinesiology

First Advisor

Chad Kerksick

Second Advisor

Jonathan Mike

Third Advisor

Scott Richmond

Abstract

Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) and caffeine are two sport supplements that have been widely explored for their possible ergogenic effects during exercise. Few studies have looked at sodium bicarbonate and caffeine supplementation together and no studies have included a running test.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of sodium bicarbonate and caffeine, both independent and synergistically, on a field-based intermittent sprint test.

Methods: Three men and 10 women, of recreational fitness level, completed this research study. On four separate visits, participants consumed a supplement solution in randomized order of 300mg/kg NaHCO3, 5mg/kg caffeine, 300mg/kg NaHCO3 + 5mg/kg caffeine, or placebo (NaCl) and then performed the 150 yard shuttle test 1-hr post-ingestion. The test consists of markers every 5 yards from O to 25 that are ran to in ascending order and returning back to the start line each time. Distance covered from the last 5-yard marker crossed in 30 seconds was recorded and followed by 30 seconds ofrest. This was repeated for six runs total. Variables ofRPE, blood lactate, and heart rate were recorded after the 2nd , 4th , and 6th run.

Results: A one-way ANOVA showed no differences in total distance, RPE, or heart rate (p>.05). Only the after the second running bout and final lactate level showed an improvement with the NaHCO3 supplement group compared to the placebo condition (p=.002, p=.020). A difference was also seen in blood lactate with NaHCO3 + caffeine versus the placebo condition after the second running bout (p=.018).

Conclusion: Based on the preliminary findings of this study, ingestion of sodium bicarbonate, caffeine, and sodium bicarbonate with caffeine had no effect on athletic performance on an anaerobic running test. More research on this subject matter with a larger sample size is necessary.

Download

Share

COinS