The Changes in pH Levels, Blood Lactic Acid and Fatigue Index to Anaerobic Exercise on Athlete after NaHCO₃ Administration

Introduction: Previous studies have revealed that sodium bicarbonate consumption prior to physical activity has a performance-enhancing effect on anaerobic activity. Methods: It was an experimental research using retest and posttest design. 36 healthy professional athletes were randomly assigned to either NaHCO₃ group (SBC=18) or placebo group (PLA=18). Respondents in SBC were given sodium bicarbonate solution at a dose of 0.4 gram/kg of bodyweight dissolved in 500 ml of aquades, while PLA group were given mineral water. Sixty minutes after NaHCO3 administration, both groups were assigned to anaerobic activity which was 300 m sprint test. pH level and lactic acid were measured 5 minutes after anaerobic activity, while fatigue index was measured 30 minutes after anaerobic activity. Results: Significant differences between SBC and PLA were found in pH level (p=0,000), blood lactic acid (p=0,000), and fatigue index (p=0,003). Conclusion: The administration of NaHCO3 was able to prevent a decrease in pH and an excessive increase of lactic acid and fatigue index as the result of anaerobic activity.