Forbes, S. C., Raymer, G. H., Kowalchuk, J. M., & Marsh, G. D. (2003). Metabolic effects of induced alkalosis during moderate and heavy exercise. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 35(5), Supplement abstract 507.

Males (N = 10) performed nine minutes of isotonic wrist flexion in a control condition and induced alkalosis condition (0.3 g/kg of Na HCO3 1.5 hours before testing). The onset of intracellular acidosis and intracellular threshold were determined for the exercise.

Acidosis was similar in both conditions at the start and up to seven minutes into the exercise. During the final 1.8 minutes the induced alkalosis condition maintained less acidity and a better level of phosphocreatine.

Implication. Induced alkalosis reduces the stress of heavy exercise in the latter stages of prolonged activity. This has the potential to improve performance.

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