Sodium bicarbonate supplementation delays neuromuscular fatigue without changes in performance outcomes during a basketball match simulation protocol

Paul Ansdell, Jeanne Dekerle

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

17 Citations (Scopus)
26 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

PURPOSE: To investigate the development of neuromuscular fatigue during a basketball game simulation and ascertain whether sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) supplementation attenuates any neuromuscular fatigue that persists.
METHODS: Ten participants ingested 0.2 g.kg of NaHCO3 (or an equimolar placebo dosage of sodium chloride [NaCl]) 90 and 60 minutes prior to commencing a basketball game simulation (ALK-T vs PLA-T). Isometric maximal voluntary contractions of the knee extensors (MVIC) and potentiated high (100 Hz) and low (10 Hz) frequency doublet twitches were recorded before and after each match quarter for both trials. In addition, 15 m sprint times and layup completion (%) were recorded during each quarter.
RESULTS: MVIC, 100 and 10 Hz twitch forces declined progressively in both trials (P<0.05) with a less pronounced decrease in MVIC during ALK-T (P<0.01). Both 100 and 10 Hz twitch forces were also significantly greater in ALK-T (P<0.05). 15 m sprint time increased over the course of both trials (∼2%, P<0.01); however, no significant condition or time effect was found for layup completion (P>0.05).
CONCLUSION: A basketball simulation protocol induces a substantial amount of neuromuscular (reduction in knee extensor MVICs) and peripheral fatigue with a concomitant increase in 15 m sprint time over the protocol. NaHCO3 supplementation attenuated the rate of fatigue development by protecting contractile elements of the muscle fibres.
PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS:This study provides coaches with information about the magnitude of fatigue induced by a simulated basketball game, and provides evidence of the efficacy of NaHCO3 in attenuating fatigue.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1369-1375
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Strength and Conditioning Research
Volume34
Issue number5
Early online date10 Oct 2017
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 May 2020

Keywords

  • Alkalosis
  • muscular fatigue
  • peripheral fatigue
  • team sports

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