This interventional study examined the effect of a four-week vegan diet (Veg_D) during a four-week high-intensity functional training (HIFT) on performance, training results and blood biochemical indices in female (n = 12) and male (n = 8) moderate-trained CrossFit participants. The whole study group performed the maximum number of repetitions with a load of 70% one repetition-maximum (1RM) and a modified Fight Gone Bad (FGB_Mod) test before and after a dietary intervention (the group was divided to follow a Veg_D or a traditional mixed diet (Mix_D)) in a randomised and parallel design. Pre-exercise resting blood samples were also analysed. There was a significant improvement in the number of repetitions performed at a load corresponding to 70% of 1RM in the classic squat in the Mix_D group (p < 0.001), and in the classic deadlift in the Veg_D group (p = 0.014). Furthermore, there was a significant improvement in the results of the FGB_Mod performance test after a Mix_D. Moreover, an improvement in some exercises in the modified FGB_Mod test (Wall Ball after the Veg_D and the Mix_D, and rowing after the Mix_D) was also observed. However, differences between the Mix_D and the Veg_D groups were not clinically relevant. In conclusion, the short-term study conducted here indicated that a Veg_D in HIFT training positively affects strength endurance in the classic deadlift but is unlikely to be more beneficial in improving performance than a Mix_D.

Background: The aims of this study were to verify the effect of progressive-chronic and acute sodium bicarbonate (SB) supplementation on the anaerobic capacity, blood acid-base balance, and discipline-specific performance in team sports disciplines. Methods: Twenty-four trained male field hockey players completed a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial of either progressive-chronic (increments from 0.05 up to 0.2 g/kg) or an acute one-off dose (0.2 g/kg) supplementation protocol. Before and after treatments, athletes completed an exercise protocol that comprised of a discipline-specific field performance test conducted between two separate Wingate anaerobic tests (WAnTs). Results: Progressive-chronic SB supplementation improved anaerobic capacity in the first bout of WAnTs, as observed based on an increase in mean power (MP: 575 ± 71 vs. 602 ± 67 W, p = 0.005, ~ + 4.7%), peak power (PP: 749 ± 94 vs. 777 ± 96 W, p = 0.002, ~ + 3.7%), power carry threshold (P_CT) at 97%_PP (727 ± 91 vs. 753 ± 93 W, p = 0.002, ~ + 3.6%) and average power over P_CT (739 ± 94 vs. 765 ± 95 W, p = 0.001, ~ + 3.5%). Acute SB supplementation had no effect on anaerobic capacity. However, an improvement in time during discipline-specific field performance test was observed after progressive-chronic (919 ± 42 vs. 912 ± 27 s, p = 0.05; ~ − 0.8%) and acute (939 ± 26 vs. 914 ± 22 s, p = 0.006, ~ 2.7%) SB supplementation. Acute SB supplementation also improved post-exercise parameters of acid-base balance (based on blood pH, bicarbonate concentration and base excess) compared to no supplementation or placebo. Conclusions: Our study indicates that both chronic and acute SB supplementation positively supports discipline-specific performance among field hockey athletes. Moreover, the chronic protocol supported anaerobic power indices before the inset of exercise-induced fatigue but had no significant impact afterwards. However, only the acute protocol significantly affected the buffering capacity, which can be used to determine athlete’s performance during high-intensity sporting events. This study design therefore highlighted that future studies focusing on sodium bicarbonate supplementation in team sports should concentrate on the efficiency of chronic and acute supplementation in varying time frames.

This study assesses the status of hydration and the acid-base balance in female handball players in the Polish Second League before and after simulated matches in both indoor (hall) and beach (outdoor) conditions. The values of biochemical indicators useful for describing water-electrolyte management, such as osmolality, hematocrit, aldosterone, sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride and magnesium, were determined in the players’ fingertip capillary blood. Furthermore, the blood parameters of the acid-base balance were analysed, including pH, standard base excess, lactate and bicarbonate ion concentration. Additionally, the pH and specific gravity of the players’ urine were determined. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. It was found that both indoor and beach simulated matches caused post-exercise changes in the biochemical profiles of the players’ blood and urine in terms of water-electrolyte and acid-base balance. Interestingly, the location of a simulated match (indoors vs. beach) had a statistically significant effect on only two of the parameters measured post-exercise: concentration of calcium ions (lower indoors) and urine pH (lower on the beach). A single simulated game, regardless of its location, directly affected the acid-base balance and, to a smaller extent, the water-electrolyte balance, depending mostly on the time spent physically active during the match.

Although it is recognized that dehydration and acidification of the body may reduce the exercise capacity, it remains unclear whether the qualitative and quantitative shares of certain ions in the drinks used by players during the same exertion may affect the indicators of their water–electrolyte and acid–base balance. This question was the main purpose of the publication. The research was carried out on female field hockey players (n = 14) throughout three specialized training sessions, during which the players received randomly assigned fluids of different osmolarity and minerals contents. The water–electrolyte and acid–base balance of the players was assessed on the basis of biochemical blood and urine indicators immediately before and after each training session. There were statistically significant differences in the values of all examined indicators for changes before and after exercise, while the differences between the consumed drinks with different osmolarities were found for plasma osmolality, and concentrations of sodium and potassium ions and aldosterone. Therefore, it can be assumed that the degree of mineralization of the consumed water did not have a very significant impact on the indicators of water–electrolyte and acid–base balance in blood and urine.

Purpose: Running is becoming an increasingly more popular form of leisure activity. However, intense physical activity, such as running a marathon, can put a significant strain on the body and lead to the use of painkillers to reduce or avoid pain. Therefore, the purpose of the research was to determine the percentage of participants in the Poznań Marathon taking analgesics before or during the run and to investigate the runners’ knowledge about the possible negative health effects of such behaviour.Methods: The study was carried out in 3 consecutive years (2014–2016) among 308 runners participating in the Poznań Marathon. The respondents completed a survey consisting of 3 parts: (1) personal details, (2) use of analgesics before and/or during the marathon run, and (3) the runner’s awareness of the possible negative effects of using such medicines during increased physical activity.Results: Taking analgesics before or during a marathon run was declared by 18.6%, 14.9%, and 16.8% of the participants in years 2014, 2015, and 2016, respectively. Compared with men, women used painkillers more frequently (22.3% vs. 16.1%). On average, 59.3% of runners believed that using analgesics might be harmful to their health and increase the risk of injury, but 39.8% of them took painkillers anyway.Conclusions: Nearly every sixth participant of the Poznań Marathon used analgesics before or during running because of the pain they experienced or expected. The awareness of analgesic-related side effects did not stop the runners from using painkillers.