Effect Of Sodium Bicarbonate Supplementation On The Jiu-jitsu Anaerobic Performance Test In Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Fighters

Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) supplementation has been shown to be an effective ergogenic effect for a number of combat sports, including judo, karate and wrestling. No study has determined its effect on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) performance. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of acute NaHCO₃ supplementation on BJJ performance in competitive BJJ fighters. METHODS: Eleven BJJ fighters (age: 34 ± 5 y, body mass: 84.5 ± 9.9 kg) were familiarized with the Jiu-Jitsu Anaerobic Performance Test (JJAPT) before three experimental sessions in which volunteers ingested 300 mg/kg body weight of NaHCO3 or placebo (corn starch), and a control condition in which no supplement was provided, prior to the exercise test. The exercise consisted of performing maximum repetitions of the “butterfly” sweeping movement during 5 x 1 min bouts interspersed by 45 s of rest. Participants reported ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) throughout the JJAPT. Blood samples were collected for assessment of bicarbonate at pre-supplementation, pre-JJAPT and post-JJAPT. Gastrointestinal symptoms were assessed using the Gastrointestinal Tolerance Questionnaire (GTQ) pre-supplementation, pre-JJAPT and post-JJAPT. Data were analyzed in RStudio software using mixed model analysis of variance with condition (3 levels) and time (3 levels) established as fixed factors and individuals as a random factor. RESULTS: NaHCO₃ supplementation increased blood bicarbonate concentration (+6.0 ± 1.13 mmol/L; p <0,0001) prior to the JJAPT, but did not improve JJAPT performance (control: 13.4 ± 2.0 reps/series; placebo: 13.4 ± 1.9 reps/series; NaHCO₃: 13.4 ± 2.1 reps/series; all p ≥ 0.05). There were no differences between sessions for RPE (p = 0.44) and no gastrointestinal symptoms of discomfort were reported in any of the conditions tested. CONCLUSION: NaHCO₃ supplementation increased blood bicarbonate concentration but did not improve sport-specific anaerobic performance of Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes.