Effect of NaCl and NaHCO3 on serum ionised calcium and blood gas status during sprinting.

This study investigates the impact of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) and sodium chloride (NaCl) on ionised calcium concentration and gas balance in the blood during high intensity equine exercise. The results identified that sodium bicicarbonate influenced the ionised calcium levels during physical exertion; however, neither substance significantly affected the time to fatigue.

Research Methodology

• The study involved eight Standardbred mares with each mare receiving three different treatments in a randomized, blinded, cross-over study. These treatments were sodium chloride (0.7 g/kg body weight), sodium bicarbonate (1 g/kg body weight) in 3 liters of water, or 3 liters of water only.
• Treatments were given 4 hours before the mares undertook a standardized exercise test until the point of fatigue on a treadmill.
• During the run, mixed venous blood samples were collected. This included a 5-minute run at 3 meters per second, a sprint to the point of fatigue, and another 5-minute run at 3 meters per second.

Findings

• The study found that neither treatment affected the time taken to reach fatigue, suggesting that sodium bicarbonate and sodium chloride did not noticeably enhance or delay fatigue.
• However, sodium bicarbonate did moderate the decrease in venous blood pH levels brought on by exercise. pH levels were slightly higher for sodium bicarbonate compared to water and sodium chloride.
• Ionised calcium and total calcium concentration in the serum increased with running, but sodium bicarbonate averted an increase in ionised calcium during exercise, compared to water alone.

Implications

• The research ascertained an impact of sodium bicarbonate on ionised calcium during strenuous physical activity. However, there is a need for future study to understand the influence of such modifications in ionised calcium on physical performance.
• This investigation primarily offers insights for horse racing and equestrian sports, where sodium bicarbonate is often given to horses in the belief it improves their performance. However, the direct application of these findings may extend to other areas of animal or human physiology and sports science.