The Effects Of Topical Sodium Bicarbonate On Muscular Performance During Anaerobic Exercise

Oral sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), as an ergogenic aid, is effective at buffering hydrogen ions and may impact performance. Unfortunately gastrointestinal distress is a common symptom of oral ingestion. The topical application of NaHCO3 may provide an ergogenic effect, similar to the oral form, while bypassing the risk of GI discomfort. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of topical sodium bicarbonate on the ability to improve muscular performance and avoid fatigue during repetitive stress to the quadriceps using an isokinetic dynamometer. METHODS: 21 participants (Age: 20.90 ± 1.4 years, Height: 167.0 ± 7.6 cm., Weight: 71.5 ± 16.0 kg.) volunteered and participated in four trials, including familiarization, baseline (B = no lotion), NaHCO3 ( T), and placebo (P = Eucerine itch relief) trials. T and P trials required the topical application of 0.9036 g/kg on the subject's quadriceps muscles based on lower limb mass as determined by DEXA and followed by a 30 minute absorption period. A 5 minute warm-up on a cycle ergometer at 50 rpm and 50 watts preceded the isokinetic fatigue protocol of 50 repetitions of knee extension and flexion at 60 degrees per second. Peak torque (PT), average power (AP), total work (TW) and blood lactate accumulation (BLA) were recorded for each trial. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to the data. RESULTS: ANOVA revealed no significant differences in performance measures among experimental trials (p > .05) - PT EXT PT FLEX APT EXT APT FLEX TW EXT TW FLEX AP EXT AP FLEX LA I LA 3 B 109 ± 42 69 ± 22 69 ± 28 42 ± 14 3560 ± 1290 2399 ± 799 69 ± 28 45 ± 17 5 ± 2 6 ± 2 P 110 ± 41 69 ± 22 72 ± 30 42 ± 14 3659 ± 1298 2298 ± 788 70 ± 30 43 ± 17 5 ± 2 5 ± 2 T 111 ± 44 70 ± 25 72 ± 32 43 ± 14 3596 ± 1496 2297. ± 858 73 ± 33 46 ± 17 5 ± 2 5 ± 2 CONCLUSION: Topical NaHCO3 did not improve local muscular performance of the quadriceps, and is ineffective as an ergogenic aid during isolated anaerobic exercise.