Acute Sodium Bicarbonate Supplementation in Female Basketball Players

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study aims to evaluate the effect of acute sodium bicarbonate supplementation, compared with placebo, on physical capacity and blood biochemical marker concentrations in highly trained female basketball players.

Inclusion Criteria: * female sex, * age 16 to 35 years, * good general health condition and well-being, * regular menstrual cycles, * written informed consent to participate in the study before its commencement, * at least a high level of training status, * at least 4 years of training experience in basketball, * participation in at least 3 basketball-specific training sessions per week, * participation in at least 1 basketball game per week. Exclusion Criteria: * male sex, * use of hormonal contraceptives, * current injury or musculoskeletal condition limiting participation in training or competition, * health-related or medical contraindications, including menstrual disorders, planned pregnancy, or anemia, * use of supplements within 3 months before the study, except for regular use of protein supplements, carbohydrate supplements, or isotonic drinks, * failure to meet the study protocol assumptions or unwillingness to follow study procedures.