Halil UÇAR, Murat OZAN
Turkish Journal of Kinesiology - 2026;12(2):127-135
This study investigated the effects of acute NaHCO? ingestion on aerobic endurance and anaerobic power performance in elite boxers. A double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover experimental design was employed, and 25 male boxers completed both the NaHCO? (0.3 g/kg) and placebo conditions. Ninety minutes after ingestion, participants performed the countermovement jump (CMJ) test, followed by the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1). Upon completion of the Yo-Yo IR1 test, participants' perceived exertion levels were assessed using the Borg Category-Ratio 10 Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale. The results demonstrated that CMJ performance was significantly higher in the NaHCO? condition compared with placebo (p < 0.05; d = 0.50). Similarly, the distance covered during the Yo-Yo IR1 test increased significantly following NaHCO? ingestion (p < 0.05; d = 0.67), indicating an improvement in high-intensity intermittent exercise capacity. No significant differences in RPE values were observed between conditions. In conclusion, acute NaHCO? ingestion effectively enhances both anaerobic jump performance and intermittent aerobic endurance in boxers. These findings suggest that NaHCO? may serve as a beneficial nutritional ergogenic strategy when administered prior to competition or high-intensity training sessions.
