Research article - (2025)24, 258 - 268
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52082/jssm.2025.258
Combined Vs. Single Supplementation of L-Citrulline and Sodium Bicarbonate During Sprint Interval Training in Basketball Players: Effects on Physical Performance and Hormonal Adaptations
Yongliang Wang1, Yanyan Wang1, Kun Qian2,
1Police Skills and Tactics Training Department, Criminal Investigation Police University of China, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
2College of Sports Science, Shenyang Normal University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China

Kun Qian
✉ College of Sports Science, Shenyang Normal University, Shenyang 110034, Liaoning, China
Email: qiankun20232@163.com
Received: 01-11-2024 -- Accepted: 13-03-2025
Published (online): 01-06-2025

ABSTRACT

This study examined the effects of L-citrulline (L-CIT) and sodium bicarbonate (Sb) supplementation during short sprint interval training (SSIT), both individually and combined, over a 28-day period, to assess the impact on the physical performance and hormonal adaptations of basketball players. Forty young (age = 21.5 ± 1.7 years) male basketball players were randomly assigned into five groups of eight subjects including either L-CIT (6 g daily), Sb (0.3 g·kg-1 of Sb daily), L-CIT+Sb, placebo (PL), and or an active control group (CON). The training groups engaged in SSIT sessions, consisting of three sets of ten repetitions of five-second all-out sprints, three times per week over four weeks. A series of physical performance tests including countermovement vertical jump, a 20-m linear sprint, Illinois change of direction speed, Wingate anaerobic power, and an incremental exercise test were conducted before and after the training period. In addition, blood samples were obtained to analyze resting testosterone and cortisol levels before and after the training period. Significant improvements in physical performance were observed across all training groups after the 4-week intervention (p < 0.05). Notably, the groups receiving supplements exhibited more pronounced improvements in the physical performance tests (p < 0.01) in comparison to the PL group, indicating superior adaptations. In addition, no significant (p > 0.05) changes were seen in testosterone, but the supplement groups showed lower cortisol levels than other groups following the 4-week intervention. There were no significant differences in physical performance adaptations among the supplement groups. The study reveals that short-term supplementation of L-citrulline and sodium bicarbonate in the capsule form effectively enhance physical performance of basketball players in comparison to a placebo.

Key words: Ergogenic aid, athletic, interval training, physical performance

Key Points
  • Engaging in SSIT is a suitable training approach in a short-duration period to enhance physical performance adaptive responses in basketball players.
  • Supplementation with L-CIT, Sb, or a combination of both could induce meaningful effects in physical performance gains and reduction of cortisol levels compared to the PL group.
  • No further effects were observed when L-CIT and Sb are combined together for adaptations in physical performance and hormonal levels.








Back
|
Full Text
|
PDF
|
Share