High-velocity intermittent running: effects of beta-alanine supplementation.
The use of β-alanine in sport is widespread. However, the effects across all sport activities are inconclusive. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of β-alanine supplementation on high-intensity running performance and critical velocity (CV) and anaerobic running capacity (ARC). Fifty recreationally trained men were randomly assigned, in a double-blind fashion, to a β-alanine group (BA, 2 × 800 mg tablets, 3 times daily; CarnoSyn; n = 26) or placebo group (PL, 2 × 800 mg maltodextrin tablets, 3 times daily; n = 24). A graded exercise test (GXT) was performed to establish peak velocity (PV). Three high-speed runs to exhaustion were performed at 110, 100, and 90% of PV, with 15 minutes of rest between bouts. The distances achieved were plotted over the time to exhaustion (TTE). Linear regression was used to determine the slope (CV) and y-intercept (ARC) of these relationships to assess aerobic and anaerobic performances, respectively. There were no significant treatment effects (p > 0.05) on CV or ARC for either men or women. Additionally, no TTE effects were evident for bouts at 90-110%PV lasting 1.95-5.06 minutes. There seems to be no ergogenic effect of β-alanine supplementation on CV, ARC, or high-intensity running lasting approximately 2-5 minutes in either men or women in the current study.
Applied Physiology Laboratory, Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA. abbiesmith@unc.edu
Abbie E
AE
Smith-Ryan
David H
DH
Fukuda
Jeffrey R
JR
Stout
Kristina L
KL
Kendall
D000328:Adult; D015308:Anaerobic Threshold / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D054874:Athletic Performance / Q000502:physiology; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D012420:Running / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult; D015091:beta-Alanine / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D015091:beta-Alanine