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Completed

NCT Number: NCT05096793

Acute Supplementation With Beta-Alanine Improves Performance in Aerobic-anaerobic Transition Zones in Endurance Athletes

The use of beta-alanine (BA) to increase physical performance is widely documented. However, the acute effect of this amino acid on maximal tests in the aerobic-anaerobic transition zone is still uncertain. The objective of this study was to determine the acute effect of low and high-dose BA trials on maximal aerobic speed (MAS) in endurance athletes. We hypothesized that high doses of BA have a greater effect than low doses, both compared to baseline. Twelve male endurance athletes volunteered for the study. The experimental design applied was randomized cross-over, double-blind. Treatment included three 6-minute run tests (6-MRT), the first as a baseline, then randomized 6-MRT with low (30 mg·kg-1) and high (45 mg·kg-1) dose BA trials. The 6-MRTs were separated by 72 hours. The main variable of the study was the distance (m) performed in the 6-MRT. Differences between tests were established through ANOVA and Tukey's multiple comparison tests (p < 0.05).

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Key information

Conditions

Beta-alanine

Age range

18 year–25 year

Sex eligibility

Male

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Uamericas

Viña del Mar, Chile

About this study

In this original research, we determined the acute effect of low (30 mg·kg-1) and high-dose (45 mg·kg-1) BA trials on maximal aerobic speed (MAS) in endurance athletes. At the same time, we compared the effect size with of BA.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • The inclusion criterion was years of training for endurance events (participants had a minimum of two years running middle-distance and long-distance events).

Exclusion criteria

  • The exclusion criterion was the inability to perform the 6-minute run test

Treatment and study plan

beta alanine

Dietary Supplement

On day 1, all participants completed the 6-MRT corresponding to baseline. Then, on days 2 and 3, each participant performed the 6-MRT with 30 mg·kg-1 and 45 mg·kg-1 of BA (low and high-dose trials, respectively). BA was purchased in powder format from a factory specializing in sports supplements. BA was colorless when diluted in water and had a characteristic taste. This format of BA (powder) allowed personalized dosing for each participant. The research team performed the personalized dosing before the application of the treatment. Between the evaluation days, there was 72 hours difference. The 30 mg·kg-1 or 45 mg·kg-1 BA administration was done with a double-blind method. Thus, on day 2, 50% of the sample performed the 6-MRT supplemented with 30 mg·kg-1 BA, while the other 50% performed the 6-MRT with 45 mg·kg-1 BA. On day 3, those participants who completed the 6-MRT with 30 mg·kg-1 BA now performed with 45 mg·kg-1 BA and vice versa.

Primary outcomes

  1. 6-minute race test (meters)

    Time frame: at the end of the 6 minute test

    The test was performed on an official 400 m athletic track simultaneously every measurement day (09:00 - 11:00 a.m.) and under similar climatic conditions (temperature = 16 - 18° C and relative humidity = 70 - 80%). Also, to simulate the reality of the competition, the 6-MRT was performed in subgroups of three participants. These subgroups were maintained throughout the intervention, modifying only the dose of BA ingested.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Lactate

    Time frame: at the end of the 6 minute test

    A lactometer (h/p/cosmos®) was used to measure capillary [La]. This lactometer generates an enzymatic-amperometric detection of lactate with an accuracy of ± 3% (minimum standard deviation of 0.2 mmol·L-1), sample volume 0.2 μL, and with a measurement range of 0.5-25.0 mmol·L-1.

  2. Heart Rate

    Time frame: at the end of the 6 minute test

    A heart rate monitor (Polar H10®) was used to measure HR, while the data was stored using the Polar Beat® application.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Americas

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2021
Primary completion
2021
Study completion
2021
First posted
Oct 27, 2021
Registry last updated
Nov 3, 2021

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

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This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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