A systematic review and meta-analysis on sodium bicarbonate administration and equine running performance: Is it time to stop horsing around with baking soda?

Joshua Denham; Adam Hulme

doi:10.1016/j.jevs.2020.103281

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A systematic review and meta-analysis on sodium bicarbonate administration and equine running performance: Is it time to stop horsing around with baking soda?

Journal article

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A systematic review and meta-analysis on sodium bicarbonate administration and equine running performance: Is it time to stop horsing around with baking soda?

Joshua Denham and Adam Hulme

Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, Vol.95, pp.1-7

2020

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2020.103281

PMID: 33276931

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Abstract

NaHCO3

milkshake

horse

racing

exercise performance

Sodium bicarbonate administration in the hours prior to exercise has been used as a performance enhancing substance in horses since the late 1980’s. Although sodium bicarbonate administration to racehorses 24 hours before racing is a banned practice in most racing industries, whether or not it improves running performance in racehorses is currently unclear. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to establish whether or not acute sodium bicarbonate administration improves running performance in trained Standardbred and Thoroughbred horses. Seven randomised controlled trials, including eight experimental (exercise) trials and 74 horses, were included after a comprehensive search for relevant studies that met the inclusion criteria. Results indicated that sodium bicarbonate administration in 2.5 to 5 hours prior to a standardised treadmill test to exhaustion or simulated race (time-trial) does not influence running performance (number of horses, overall effect [95%CI]: 32, -0.13 [-0.64–0.37] and 42, 0.01 [-0.42–0.44], respectively, both p > 0.05). The included studies demonstrated minimal heterogeneity (I2 = 0–2%), low risks of bias according to the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool and a lack of publication bias. On the basis of these findings there is high-quality evidence to suggest that sodium bicarbonate administration does not improve running performance in trained Standardbred or Thoroughbred horses.

Details

Title: A systematic review and meta-analysis on sodium bicarbonate administration and equine running performance: Is it time to stop horsing around with baking soda?
Authors: Joshua Denham (Author) - RMIT University
Adam Hulme (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Centre for Human Factors and Systems Science
Publication details: Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, Vol.95, pp.1-7
Publisher: Elsevier Inc
Date published: 2020
DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2020.103281
ISSN: 1542-7412
PMID: 33276931
Organisation Unit: Centre for Human Factors and Systems Science; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99483707002621
Output Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Veterinary Sciences