Effects of Single Sodium Bicarbonate Supplementation on National-Level Finswimming Performance

Launched by PALACKY UNIVERSITY · Aug 20, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at whether taking a single dose of sodium bicarbonate—a common baking soda ingredient—can help improve the performance of elite finswimmers during a 200-meter race. Sodium bicarbonate may help balance the acid in muscles during intense exercise, potentially allowing athletes to swim faster and with better technique. The study will also check how this supplement affects swimmers’ stroke movements and how they feel physically and mentally during the race.

To take part, swimmers need to be part of a national finswimming team (either junior or senior level), train at least four times a week, be between 15 and 30 years old, and be generally healthy without any ongoing illnesses or injuries. Participants will be asked to avoid other supplements or medications during the study and follow certain rules before testing, like not training for 48 hours. If accepted, swimmers will take either the sodium bicarbonate or a placebo (a harmless substance with no active ingredient) in a random order and perform a race while researchers observe their performance and responses. This study is currently recruiting participants who meet these criteria.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Member of a wider national selection in finswimming (junior or senior level)
• • 2. Regular participation in competitive finswimming training (≥4 sessions per week)
• • 3. Age between 15 and 30 years
• • 4. Absence of chronic illness or injury
• • 5. No use of medications or dietary supplements during the study period
• • 6. Signed informed consent (for minors, also signed by a legal guardian)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. History of gastrointestinal disorders affecting supplement tolerance
• • 2. Presence of cardiovascular, metabolic, or musculoskeletal disorders
• • 3. Current illness or acute infection
• • 4. Regular use of substances that may interfere with acid-base balance
• • 5. Refusal to comply with pre-test restrictions (e.g., 48 hours without training)