THE EFFECT OF DIFFERENT DOSiNG STRATEGIES OF SODIUM BICARBONATE UPON COLLEGIATE SWIMMERS

B O ' W , LA. The Effect of Different Da@r,. &@egies of Sotlirim Bicarbonate uvon Colleaiate Swimmers. MS in Exercise and Sports Science Human Performance, May 2002,47pp. (T. McBride) This study evaluated the efficacy of different dosages of sodium bicarbonate on time trial performance, blood lactate concentrations and incurred side effects. Participants included 10 volunteer male (n = 3) and female (n = 7) members of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse swimming team. The psrticipanb were divided into groups by in-season specialization of 100 yards, 200 yards or 400 yards. Each participant completed a time trial under a control condition, and under 0.1 glkg body weight, 0.2 g/kg body weight and 0.3 gkg body weight. Blood lactate was collected before and after the time trial. Side effects were recorded every 10 minutes fiom consumption to 20 minutes post trial. Performance times were all significantly faster under the experimental conditions vs. control @ = 0.001). The 0.1 gtkg body weight produced the fastest time (97% of the control time), then 0.2 g k g body weight (98.19% of the control time) and 0.3 g k g body weight (99.10% of the control time). Pre and post-trial lactate values all increased proportionately with the dosage of sodium bicarbonate and were significantly higher. than the control values in both pre-trial @ = 0.02) and post-trial @ = 0.001). Side effects were similar in type and frequency under the 0.1 gkg body weight (7) and 0.2 g k g body weight (10) coniitions, however they increased in severity under the 0.3 glkg body weight (27) condition. The findings suggest that bicarbonate loading is effective even at lower dosages, however, as the dosage increases, side effects can impede any ergogenic effect. Reduced water consumption during dosing may help to avoid gastro-intestinal side effects. COLLEGE OF HEALTH, PHYSICAL EDUCATION, WCWATION AP! D TEACHER EDUCATION UNnTIERS~Y OF WISCONSlN-LA CROSSE THESIS FINAL O W DEFENSE FORM We recommend acceptance of this thesis in partial fulfillment of this candidate's requirements for the degree: Master of Science in Exercise and S~or t s Science Human Performance The candidate has successfully completed the thesis oral defense ~ / 3 1/02 T h e w r n m i t t e e qhajrperson Signature Date Thesis Committee Member Signature Date This thesis is approved by the College of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Teacher Education. Physical Education, Recreation and Teacher Education ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to express my gratitude to the following people for the advice and support in the completion of this research: Dr. Travis McBride for the guidance and persistence to keep me ordered and motivated throughout this project. Thank you for your efforts and help in organization. Dr. Tim Uphoff for the revisions and the attention to detail, and Dr. Carl Foster for his interest, imagination, and depth of skill and expertise. I'm sorry there were no cookes at the defense. Dr. Rich Pein, for his support, belief and advice throughout not only this project, but also the two years I have h o w n you. Not only my head coach and supervisor, but my mentor, my friend and in the absence of my own family, like my father. It's a supreme pleasure to work with you. The volunteers from 2001-2002 University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Men's and Women's Swimming and Diving teams. You all mean a great deal to me, and I'm extremely grateful for your participation in this project. My wife, Sheila. Thank you for your constant patience,, love and support this past year. It won't be the last time, so brace yourself. TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . iii LIST OF TABLES . v LIST OF APPENDICES . v