Date
8-9-2024
Department
School of Health Sciences
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy
Chair
Eric Sobolewski
Keywords
Sodium Bicarbonate, Sequencing, Gastric, Exercise
Disciplines
Health and Physical Education
Recommended Citation
Miles, MeKenna, "Mitigating Negative Gastric Effects of Sodium Bicarbonate by Utilizing a Sequencing Method of Ingestion" (2024). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 5911.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/5911
Abstract
This study examined the effects of sequencing a reduced load of enteric-coated sodium bicarbonate on participants of varying levels of fitness, over multiple days on time to completion, perceived exertion, and blood lactate levels during a timed maximal 1-mile effort. To determine if the sequencing ingestion method (SG) provided sufficient buffering effects, and to compare it with the traditional single-dose ingestion (SDG) method, participants were randomly assigned to either the SG or SDG group and allocated 0.16 g/kg body weight of sodium bicarbonate to take over 10 days leading up to mile two or to ingest in one dose 60-90 minutes before mile two. Results indicated no significant differences in time to completion for the 1-mile effort between groups (p = 0.05). Additionally, perceived exertion (RPE) did not significantly differ between the first- and second-mile times across all participants (p = 0.24). Blood lactate levels also showed no significant differences within groups (p = 0.87). Post-exercise, participants completed a survey regarding negative gastric symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, upset stomach, and diarrhea. In the SG group, 26% reported one or more negative gastric effects, compared to 60% in the SDG group. Overall, 43% of participants experienced negative gastric effects following sodium bicarbonate supplementation. The findings suggest that sequencing a reduced load of enteric-coated sodium bicarbonate may not significantly impact performance, perceived exertion, or blood lactate levels compared to a single-dose approach, though it may reduce the incidence of negative gastric symptoms. Future research should further explore these findings to optimize supplementation strategies for endurance athletes.
