Effects of Sodium Bicarbonate on Endurance in Female Runners
Official title: The Effect of Sodium Bicarbonate Intake on Endurance Performance in Recreational Female Runners
Run by Hacettepe University · NCT06826222 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests if taking sodium bicarbonate can help female runners improve their endurance during long, intense workouts while also making sure they feel comfortable.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 19 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Hacettepe University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ankara, Ankara) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 3, 2024 |
| Main results expected | November 1, 2025 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | February 13, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06826222 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are recreational female runners aged 18-40 who have been training regularly for at least a year and can complete a 10 km race at a pace below 6.00 min/km.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with acute or chronic conditions affecting physical activity, or those with gastrointestinal disorders, may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study investigates the impact of sodium bicarbonate supplementation on endurance performance specifically in recreational female runners. It aims to explore how sodium bicarbonate, known for its buffering capacity, can enhance performance during prolonged high-intensity exercise while minimizing gastrointestinal discomfort through a carbohydrate-rich meal protocol. The research focuses on female athletes, a group often underrepresented in sports performance studies, to understand the unique physiological effects of sodium bicarbonate on their endurance capabilities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide female athletes with an effective strategy to improve their endurance performance during high-intensity running.
How similar studies have gone: While some studies have shown positive effects of sodium bicarbonate on performance, this specific focus on female athletes is relatively novel and underexplored.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Female, aged 18-40. * Recreational runner with a minimum one-year history of regular training (at least three days per week). * Experience in races of 10 km or more (verified by an official race result). * Ability to complete a 10 km distance at an average pace below 6.00 min/km (confirmed through best-record evidence via applications like Strava). Exclusion Criteria: * Usage of any medications or supplements that could impact metabolism. * Presence of any acute or chronic condition limiting physical activity (musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, or respiratory issues). * Alcohol and/or smoking habits. * Adherence to a specific diet influencing metabolism during the study period (intermittent fasting, ketogenic, vegan diets, etc.). * Pregnancy or breastfeeding during the study period. * Severe menstrual irregularities or amenorrhea. * Body Mass Index (BMI) outside the range of 18.5-30. * History of gastrointestinal disorders (e.g., IBS, Crohn's disease). * Allergy or intolerance to sodium bicarbonate or related compounds. * History of disordered eating.
Where it's running
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Hacettepe University
Ankara, Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Selin Aktitiz, pHD Candidate
- Email: selinaktitiz@hacettepe.edu.tr
- Phone: +905345543408
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.