Aschenbach, W., Ocel, J., Craft, L., Ward, C., Spangenburg, E., & Williams, J. (2000). Effect of oral sodium loading on high-intensity arm ergometry in college wrestlers. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 32, 669-675.

Three supplements: 0.3 g/kg of sodium bicarbonate, .21 g/kg of salt, and a low-calorie placebo, were evaluated for effect on intermittent high-intensity arm ergometry in collegiate wrestlers (N = 8).

Bicarbonate resulted in significantly higher pre- and postexercise pH and base excess than the other two supplements. There were no differences between conditions for peak power, total work, and percent fatigue in the intermittent high-intensity arm work.

Implication. High-intensity arm work is not enhanced by exogenously induced metabolic alkalosis or sodium ingestion.

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