International Journal of
Food and Nutritional Science
Int J Food Nutr Sci | Volume 5: Issue 1 134
Copyrights: © 2018 Zając, A. This is an Open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attri-
bution 4.0 International License.
Research Article Open Access
Kurylas Anna, Zając Tomasz, Jakub Chycki, Maszczyk Adam, Zając Adam*
Abstract
Many researchers have unequivocally demonstrated that water of higher pH
has a positive effect on the human body. In terms of undertaken research, the adjust-
ment of acid-base balance during anaerobic effort, a decrease in the concentration of
free radicals as well as the improvement of connective tissue condition is of primary
importance. The aim of this study was to evaluate an infuence of high alkaline water
consumption on anaerobic performance and acid-base balance in professional basket-
ball players. There was evaluating changes in parameters of blood and urine in labora-
tory tests (pH, pCO
2
, pO
2
, HCO
3
act, HCO
3
std, BE (ecf), BE(B), O
2
std, and ctCO
2
).
The group of fourteen adults male underwent in two experimental trials, before and af-
ter six weeks hydration tested water. Statistical analysis of blood tests showed that after
ingestion of alkaline water there was a signifcant increase of blood pH at rest and after
anaerobic exercise. The same results were obtained in urine tests, respectively 1.30 in
rest and 0.93 after physical examination. The results of the specifc anaerobic endur-
ance test revealed a signifcant difference in performance between the tests performed
after hydrating with highly alkaline water in comparison to table water. The average
improvement of results equaled 0.71s. (p = 0.03). In conclusion the athletes hydrated
with alkaline water showed a positive impact on acid-base balance with a signifcant
increase of blood and urine pH. The daily intake of 2.5 - 3.0 l of highly alkalized water
delay in muscular acidosis during anaerobic exercise, as well as prevention of dehydra-
tion, and faster recovery.
*
Corresponding author: Zając Adam, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, Department of Sports
Training, Mikołowska 72A, 40-065 Katowice, Poland, E-mail: a.maszczyk@awf.katowice.pl
Received Date: December 04, 2017
Accepted Date: January 17, 2018
Published Date: January 25, 2018
Introduction
Basketball is a team sport that involves speed, accel-
eration, changes of direction as well as numerous technical and
tactical activities that require concentration and precision
[1,2]
.
Actions are executed and repeated at high intensity, causing sig-
nifcant disturbances in acid-base equilibrium and gradual fa-
tigue. A basketball game played at the elite level can elicit up to
90% of maximal heart rate, while blood lactate concentrations
can reach 6 - 7 m mol/l at half time and close to 8 - 10 m mol/l
after the game
[3,4]
. In addition, new game rules initiated in 2000
such as the reduction of offensive possession time from 30 to
24 s and a limit of 8 s to cross the midcourt line signifcant-
ly increased the pace of the game, and the physical demand on
players. The physical ability to perform repeated sprints at high
Anaerobic Performance and Acid-Base Balance in Basketball
Players after the Consumption of Highly Alkaline Water
The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, Department of Sports Training
Mikołowska 72A, 40-065 Katowice, Poland
DOI: 10.15436/2377-0619.18.1754
Citation: Zając, A., et al. Anaerobic
Performance and Acid-Base Balance in
Basketball Players after the Consump-
tion of Highly Alkaline Water. (2018) Int
J Food Nutr Sci 5(1): 134- 139.
Zając, A., et al.
intensity until the end of the game plays a central role in compe-
tition and can determine the fnal outcome
[5,6]
. A crucial aspect of
competitive sports includes the appropriate supply of fuids. The
hydration status in professional athletes should be maintained
at an optimal level, as both the lack and excess of fuid intake
adversely affect exercise tolerance. The systematic maintenance
of fuid balance is crucial in providing the appropriate volume
of blood in vessels, and, consequently, an effcient transport of
oxygen, nutrients, by-products of metabolism and heat. A fre-
quent issue of competitive sports, including team sport games is
the inadequate supply of water or other fuids. A dehydration of
1-2% may result in the lack of concentration, weakened cogni-
tive functions, reduced effciency and lower exercise tolerance
[7]
.