Overview
This study is investigating whether taking sodium bicarbonate, a common supplement used by endurance athletes, can improve cycling performance during prolonged exercise and in a time trial. Sodium bicarbonate may help reduce muscle acidity, which could delay fatigue and improve performance. The goal of this study is to determine if this supplement can help athletes perform better during long, intense efforts like those seen in real competitions.
Participants in this study are well-trained cyclists who will complete two exercise trials in a laboratory setting. Each trial involves three hours of moderate cycling followed by a 20-30-minute time trial at maximum effort. Before each trial, participants will take either sodium bicarbonate or a placebo.
The study will measure performance outcomes, such as time trial results, as well as physiological responses, including heart rate, oxygen use, and muscle fatigue. Researchers hope to better understand how sodium bicarbonate can help endurance athletes and provide guidelines for its use in competitive sports.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- age 16-50 years
- well-trained cyclists
- Proof of physical fitness (e.g. sports medical examination required) for measurements with higher intensities (e.g. endurance tests, competition simulation)
- >10h endurance training per week
Exclusion Criteria:
- Systemic disease or other known pathology in the organs: heart, lungs, kidney, stomach, spleen, liver, gall bladder, and intestines.
- Evidence of pulmonary disease: forced expiratory volume in one second/forced expiratory volume < 70% with/without symptoms (cough, sputum) or other evidence of pulmonologic disease.
Diabetes II.
