A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis on Sodium Bicarbonate Administration and Equine Running Performance: Is it Time to Stop Horsing Around With Baking Soda?
Abstract: Sodium bicarbonate administration in the hours prior to exercise has been used as a performance-enhancing substance in horses since the late 1980s. Although sodium bicarbonate administration to racehorses 24 hours before racing is a banned practice in most racing industries, whether or not it improves running performance in racehorses is currently unclear. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to establish whether or not acute sodium bicarbonate administration improves running performance in trained Standardbred and Thoroughbred horses. Seven randomized controlled trials, including eight experimental (exercise) trials and 74 horses, were included after a comprehensive search for relevant studies that met the inclusion criteria. Results indicated that sodium bicarbonate administration at 2.5-5 hours prior to a standardized treadmill test to exhaustion or simulated race (time-trial) does not influence running performance (number of horses, the overall effect [95% CI]: 32, -0.13 [-0.64 to 0.37] and 42, 0.01 [-0.42 to 0.44], respectively, both P > .05). The included studies demonstrated minimal heterogeneity (I = 0%-2%), low risks of bias according to the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool and a lack of publication bias. On the basis of these findings, there is high-quality evidence to suggest that sodium bicarbonate administration does not improve running performance in trained Standardbred or Thoroughbred horses.
Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2020-10-06 PubMed ID: 33276931DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2020.103281Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Meta-Analysis
- Systematic Review
Summary
This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.
The research article suggests that the administration of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) does not improve the athletic performance of trained Standardbred or Thoroughbred horses.
Objective of the Study
- The study aimed to understand if sodium bicarbonate, a performance-enhancing substance often given to horses prior to racing, actually improves their running performance.
Methodology
- The researchers undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis, using data from seven randomized controlled trials. These trials included eight separate exercise trials and a total of 74 horses.
- The criteria for inclusion in the study required that the horses received sodium bicarbonate 2.5 to 5 hours before undergoing a standardized treadmill test until exhaustion or a simulated race.
Results
- The results of the study showed that sodium bicarbonate administration did not influence the running performance of the horses. This statement is supported by the fact that for both the treadmill test and the simulated race, the overall effects were not significant, as they lay within the 95% confidence interval.
- The studies included in the meta-analysis showed minimal heterogeneity, low risks of bias according to the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool, and also demonstrated a lack of publication bias. The minimal heterogeneity signifies that the studies were consistent in their methods and results.
Conclusion
- The conclusion drawn from this research is that, contrary to popular belief, the administration of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) does not enhance the performance of Standardbred or Thoroughbred horses in running performance.
- The evidence supporting this conclusion is high quality, derived from the rigorous methods and inclusion of multiple randomized controlled trials in the meta-analysis.
Cite This Article
APA
Denham J, Hulme A.
(2020).
A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis on Sodium Bicarbonate Administration and Equine Running Performance: Is it Time to Stop Horsing Around With Baking Soda?
J Equine Vet Sci, 95, 103281.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2020.103281 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Discipline of Exercise and Sports Sciences, RMIT University, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Electronic address: josh.denham@rmit.edu.au.
- Centre for Human Factors and Sociotechnical Systems, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, Queensland, Australia.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Exercise Test / veterinary
- Horse Diseases
- Horses
- Physical Conditioning, Animal
- Running
- Sodium Bicarbonate / pharmacology
Citations
This article has been cited 1 times.- Roccaro M, Rinnovati R, Stucchi L, La Rocca F, Cascio G, Peli A. Survey on 9 years of anti-doping controls in horse races in Italy. Equine Vet J 2025 Nov;57(6):1592-1599.
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