Sport Mont | 2026
Authors: Abbud U.N.; Caires L.P.; Casagrande T.F.; Mendes G.E.F.; Marzochi L.L.; Abbud-Filho M.; Caldas H.C.
DOI: 10.26773/smj.260211
Journal: Sport Mont
Year: 2026
Publisher: Montenegrin Sports Academy
Document Type: Article
Open Access: All Open Access; Gold Open Access
Cited by: 0
Sodium bicarbonate (SB) is a widely studied ergogenic aid for enhancing performance during high-intensity exercise. However, its practical use is often limited by gastrointestinal symptoms (GIS). This pilot, randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study investigated the effects of SB in hydrogel form (SB-H) compared to a hydrogel placebo (PLA) in a small cohort of trained cyclists. Eight trained male cyclists completed both SB-H and PLA conditions in a crossover design, separated by a 7-day washout period. Performance variables, blood electrolytes, acid-base balance, and GIS were assessed during a time-to-exhaustion cycling test. SB-H supplementation improved performance, with a 7% increase in power output at the 2 mmol/L and a 15% increase at the 4 mmol/L lactate thresholds compared to PLA. Time to exhaustion was significantly longer with SB-H, and heart rate at the 4 mmol/L threshold was lower, suggesting improved cardiovascular efficiency. SB-H also mitigated exercise-induced metabolic acidosis, with higher post-exercise sodium and lower chloride levels, likely due to sweat-related electrolyte shifts. Importantly, GIS scores remained low in both groups, with SB-H demonstrating superior tolerability. This pilot study suggests that SB-H supplementation enhances high-intensity cycling performance, improves acid-base regulation, and reduces gastrointestinal discomfort. These findings provide preliminary effect size estimates and feasibility data that support further investigation in larger, fully powered trials. © 2026, Montenegrin Sports Academy. All rights reserved.
cycling performance; ergogenic aid; gastrointestinal tolerance; hydrogel supplementation; sodium bicarbonate