Acute and chronic effect of sodium bicarbonate ingestion on Wingate test performance: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis on the acute and chronic effects of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) ingestion on Wingate performance. Following a search through PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science, 9 studies were found meeting inclusion criteria (6 acute and 3 chronic). Random-effects meta-analysis of standardized mean difference (SMD) for peak and mean power was performed. Study quality was assessed using the QualSyst. Results of the meta-analysis showed that acute ingestion of NaHCO₃ did not improve Wingate test peak (weighted average effect size Hedges’s g = 0.02, 95%CI: – 0.19 to 0.23, P = 0.87) or mean power (weighted average effect size Hedges’s g = 0.15, 95%CI: −0.06 to 0.36, P = 0.92). However, chronic ingestion of NaHCO₃ improved Wingate test peak (weighted average effect size Hedges’s g = 1.21, 95%CI: 0.83 to 1.42, P = 0.001) and mean power (weighted average effect size Hedges’s g = 1.26, 95%CI: 0.96 to 1.56, P = 0.001). Quality assessment of selected articles was classified as strong. This meta-analysis provides evidence that chronic, but not acute, ingestion of NaHCO₃ increases both Wingate test peak and mean power.

KEYWORDS:

• High-intensity exercise
• buffer
• alkalosis

Disclosure statement

João Paulo Lopes-Silva and Emerson Franchini are researchers within the High-Intensity Intermittent Exercise Physiology Research Group, School of Physical and Education and Sport, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. Emerson Franchini is also currently affiliated with the Australian Institute of Sport, Canberra, Australia. Reid Reale is employed by the Gatorade Sports Science Institute, a division of PepsiCo, Inc. The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the position or policy of PepsiCo, Inc.

Author contributions

JPLS and EF contributed to the conception and design of the study. JPLS contributed to the development of the search strategy analysis, the acquisition of the data and performed the data analysis. JPLS, EF and RR performed the acquisition of data. JPLS was the principal writer of the article while all authors contributed to drafting of the article and revising it critically. All authors approved the final version to be submitted.

Conflicts of interest

Reid Reale is an employee of the Gatorade Sports Science Institute, a division of PepsiCo, Inc.; which is a manufacturer of beverages, sports drinks and hydration products. All other authors certify that they have no affiliations with or involvement in any organization or entity with any financial or non-financial interest in the subject matter or materials discussed in this manuscript.

Additional information

Funding

This work received no funding from any grant or organization. Emerson Franchini is supported by Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo [grant number: 2007/08167-2].