Effects of Different Dosage of Sodium Bicarbonate on 200 M Freestyle Swimming Performance in Competitive Swimmers

Gee, Yong Yong (2016) Effects of Different Dosage of Sodium Bicarbonate on 200 M Freestyle Swimming Performance in Competitive Swimmers. Final Year Project (Bachelor), Tunku Abdul Rahman University College.

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of different dosages of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) (0.2 vs 0.3g.kg-1 BW) and different timing of ingestion (60 and 90 min prior to exercise) in 200 m freestyle swimming performance in competitive swimmers. A total of 8 competitive swimmers (age: 20.5 ± 1.6 years; weight: 75.9 ± 14.0 kg; height: 174.9 ± 5.1 cm) from Tunku Abdul Rahman University College swim team were recruited in this study. They undertook 7 trials which included 1 control trial and 6 experimental trials in randomised order. For experimental trials, subjects were either NaHCO3 (0.3 g.kg-1 BW or 0.2 g.kg-1 BW) or PLA (0.045 g.kg-1 BW of NaCl) in different dosages and different timing, 60 or 90 min prior to exercise testing. Each test was separated at least 3-7 days apart. Results showed that the 200 m freestyle swimming performance test during 0.2 g.kg-1 BW of NaHCO3_90min trial was significantly faster when compared with Control trial (162 ± 12 sec vs. 175 ± 13 sec; p = 0.019). The ingestion of NaHCO3 (0.2 g.kg-1 BW) 90 min prior to the performance test resulted a lower blood lactate level and heart rate measures during post swim as compared with other trials. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates the ingestion of NaHCO3 (0.2 g.kg-1 BW) 90 min prior to the performance test improved 200 m freestyle swimming performance. The plausible reason for the significant improvement might due to NaHCO3 had facilitated in the removal of excess hydrogen ions from the working muscle whereas with the higher dosage of 0.3 g.kg-1 BW of NaHCO3, prior to exercise had caused an abdominal distress. Key words: NaHCO3 Dosage, Timing of ingestion, Performance Time (sec), Blood Lactate, Urine pH, Heart Rate, Rating of Abdominal Discomfort (AD) and GUT Fullness (GF)