Table 3.
Association of participant- and study-related factors on the effect of sodium bicarbonate on continuous running performance.*
| Variable | Z-score | P-value** |
|---|---|---|
| Higher percentage of male subjects | 2.12 | 0.03 |
| Higher body mass | 2.08 | 0.04 |
| Smaller sample size | 1.91 | 0.06 |
| Longer SB ingestion time | 1.60 | 0.11 |
| Higher body mass index | 1.18 | 0.24 |
| Higher absolute SB dosage | 1.09 | 0.28 |
| Earlier publication date | 1.05 | 0.29 |
| Submaximal running prior to performance test | 0.79 | 0.43 |
| Trained runners vs. non-runners | 0.77 | 0.44 |
| Sodium-based placebo | 0.68 | 0.50 |
| SB ingestion fasted vs. with food | 0.66 | 0.51 |
| SB dosing form (capsule vs. powder) | 0.65 | 0.52 |
| Older age | 0.51 | 0.61 |
| Longer performance test time | 0.50 | 0.62 |
| Fewer washout days between performance tests | 0.29 | 0.78 |
| Shorter time between SB ingestion and exercise | 0.02 | 0.99 |
*Results derived from random effects meta-regression.
**p < 0.05 indicates the variable was statistically associated with greater running performance improvement after sodium bicarbonate versus placebo conditions.
Abbreviations: SB = sodium bicarbonate.