Effects of induced alkalosis on performance in thoroughbreds during a 1,600-m race.

The study examines the effect of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) on the performance of thoroughbreds in a 1600-m race and concludes that it offers no significant improvement.

Study Design and Method

• The research was a cross-over study involving 16 Thoroughbred racehorses
• The selected horses were administered an aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate or a control treatment before the race.
• The researchers administered the treatments about 3 hours before the race, a timeframe chosen based on a separate study that determined this to be the peak time for buffering capacity.

Treatment and Measurements

• The horses were given either a NaHCO3 solution (0.4 g/kg in a 1-liter H2O) or a control treatment (only 1 liter H2O)
• Physiological parameters such as venous HCO3-, pH, and lactate levels were measured before and after the race.

Results and Findings

• Before the start of the race, a significant increase in venous HCO3- and pH levels was observed in horses treated with NaHCO3.
• A similar increase was also noted in venous blood pH and lactate levels after the race in the NaHCO3 treated horses.
• These findings suggest that the blood’s buffering capacity was increased by the NaHCO3 treatment.

Conclusion and Implications

• Despite the apparent increase in blood buffering, there was no noticeable improvement in the race times for horses treated with NaHCO3.
• There was also no change observed in the venous partial pressure of carbon dioxide.
• The key implication is that while sodium bicarbonate seemingly increased the blood’s buffering capacity in Thoroughbred racehorses, it did not translate into any performance benefit in a 1,600-m race.