Effect of sodium bicarbonate administration on metabolic responses to maximal exercise.

The research study investigates the effect of sodium bicarbonate administration on metabolic responses and duration of exercise in horses. Findings show that, although sodium bicarbonate causes metabolic alkalosis, it does not influence the metabolic response or the length of exercise undertaken by horses.

Objective of the Research

• The primary goal of the study was to understand the metabolic response to a standardised treadmill exercise in horses given bicarbonate when compared to horses given placebo (water).
• The research also sought to explore the influence of sodium bicarbonate loading on performance in horses, given the conflicting results in previous studies involving humans and horses.

Research Methodology

• Five Standardbred trotters were made to perform the exercise test on two separate occasions.
• Biological samples, including venous blood and muscle biopsy specimens, were collected at multiple stages including before and after administration of the test substance, during exercise, and during recovery.
• The horses were randomly assigned to two treatment groups: one receiving sodium bicarbonate and the other a placebo.

Findings from the Study

• Administration of sodium bicarbonate resulted in metabolic alkalosis, which is an increase in pH and concentration of bicarbonate in the blood.
• The metabolic responses to exercise (decreases in muscle ATP, CP, and glycogen, and increases in muscle IMP, lactate and plasma lactate and uric acid concentrations) were similar in both the placebo and bicarbonate-treated group – indicating that the sodium bicarbonate did not impact these metabolic reactions during exercise.
• The post-workout muscle and plasma metabolites also showed comparable results with both treatments.
• Crucially, the research found that the duration of exercise did not change after sodium bicarbonate intake, challenging the theory that increased body buffering capacity through sodium bicarbonate loading can delay fatigue onset.

Conclusion of the Research

• The findings demonstrate that despite causing metabolic alkalosis, sodium bicarbonate does not influence the metabolic response to exercise, nor does it affect the length of exercise.
• The research raises questions about the benefits of sodium bicarbonate intake for performance enhancement in both human athletes and horses.