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Cited by 57Coffee research and impactsSports Performance and TrainingMuscle metabolism and nutrition

Caffeine, but not bicarbonate, improves 6 min maximal performance in elite rowers

Christensen, Peter M., Petersen, Mads H., Friis, Signe N., Bangsbo, Jens·2014·Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism
DOI 10.1139/apnm-2013-0577
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Abstract

This study examined the ergogenic effects in a 6 min maximal performance test (PT) on 12 elite rowers: 6 open-weight (mean ± SD; 25 ± 1 years, and 92 ± 3 kg) and 6 light-weight (25 ± 3 years, and 73 ± 6 kg), following supplementation with caffeine (CAF), sodium bicarbonate (SB), and the combination of both, in a double-blind randomized placebo (PLA) controlled design. PT was executed on 4 occasions, on separate days within a week, and in a non-fasted state, with standardized training being performed the day before PT. Protocols were as follows: (i) CAF, 3 mg/kg, 45 min prior to PT + calcium as SB-PLA; (ii) SB, 0.3 g/kg, 75 min prior to PT + dextrose as CAF-PLA; (iii) CAF + SB; and (iv) PLA; CAF-PLA + SB-PLA. The total distance in the CAF (1878 ± 97 m) and CAF + SB (1877 ± 97 m) was longer than in the PLA (1865 ± 104 m; P 0.05). No difference between interventions was observed for readiness and stomach comfort before PT and perceived exertion during PT. This study demonstrates that caffeine ingestion does improve performance in elite rowing. In contrast sodium bicarbonate does not appear to be ergogenic, but it does not abolish the ergogenic effect of caffeine.

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  • In several studies, sodium bicarbonate was provided alongside another dietary supplement, including caffeine, beta-alanine, sodium citrate, and ketones.

    “In several studies, sodium bicarbonate was provided alongside another dietary supplement, including caffeine (Christensen et al. 2014; C. Correia‐Oliveira and Lopes‐Silva 2023; Higgins et al. 2016), beta‐alanine (da Silva et al. 2019), sodium citrate (Martin et al. 2025), and ketones (D. G. McCarthy et al. 2023).”

    From Gastrointestinal Symptoms Associated With Sodium Bicarbonate Supplementation Protocols: A Systematic Review (2026) · cites this paper as Christensen et al. 2014

  • Six of 35 studies stated there were no apparent or significant differences in GIS between conditions.

    “Alternatively, six of 35 studies stated there were no apparent or significant differences in GIS between conditions”

    From Gastrointestinal Symptoms Associated With Sodium Bicarbonate Supplementation Protocols: A Systematic Review (2026) · cites this paper as Christensen et al. 2014

  • In two of the six studies reporting no differences, mean values for abdominal or stomach discomfort were numerically higher with sodium bicarbonate than with non-sodium-bicarbonate conditions, albeit non-significantly.

    “in two others, mean values for abdominal or stomach discomfort were numerically higher with sodium bicarbonate than with non‐sodium‐bicarbonate conditions, albeit non‐significantly”

    From Gastrointestinal Symptoms Associated With Sodium Bicarbonate Supplementation Protocols: A Systematic Review (2026) · cites this paper as Christensen et al. 2014

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Authors
Christensen, P. M., Petersen, M. H., Friis, S. N., & Bangsbo, J.
Affiliations
University of Copenhagen (DK)
ORCID
Venue
Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism
Publisher
Canadian Science Publishing
Published
2014-09
Volume
39
Issue
9
Pages
1058-1063
ISSN
  • 1715-5312 (ISSN-L)
  • 1715-5320
DOI
10.1139/apnm-2013-0577
OpenAlex
W2113047004
Cited by
57
References
41
Citations by year
2026: 5 · 2025: 2 · 2024: 5 · 2023: 3 · 2022: 3 · 2021: 7 · 2020: 6 · 2019: 5 · 2018: 5 · 2017: 3 · 2016: 9 · 2015: 2 · 2014: 2
FWCI
3.91
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Licence
www.nrcresearchpress.com/page/about/CorporateTextAndDataMining (tdm)
Locations
  • Applied Physiology Nutrition and Metabolism (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Research at the University of Copenhagen (University of Copenhagen) (submittedVersion)
Funders
Region Hovedstaden
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Pharmacology › Coffee research and impacts
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Orthopedics and Sports Medicine › Sports Performance and Training
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Cell Biology › Muscle metabolism and nutrition
Keywords
caffeine, sodium bicarbonate, rowing, ergogenic aids, elite rowers, output power, endurance performance, perceived exertion, calcium supplementation, dextrose supplementation, caffeine withdrawal
MeSH terms
Adult, Central Nervous System Stimulants, Bicarbonates, Caffeine, Double-Blind Method, Female, Humans, Male, Physical Endurance, Time Factors, Athletic Performance, Young Adult

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