Additive Benefits of β-Alanine Supplementation and Sprint-Interval Training

View/ Open
File version
Accepted Manuscript (AM)
Author(s)
Bellinger, Phillip M
Minahan, Clare L
Year published
2016
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Purpose: The present study investigated the effects of β-alanine supplementation only, and in
combination with sprint-interval training (SIT), on training intensity, and energy provision and
performance during exhaustive supramaximal-intensity cycling and a 4- and 10-km time trial
(TT). Methods: Fourteen trained cyclists (VO2max = 4.5 ± 0.6 L·min-1) participated in this
placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Subjects performed a supramaximal cycling test to
exhaustion (equivalent to 120% VO2max) and a 4- and 10-km TT and 4 x 1-km sprints at three
time points: before and after 28 d of supplementation loading (6.4 g·d-1) with ...
View more >Purpose: The present study investigated the effects of β-alanine supplementation only, and in combination with sprint-interval training (SIT), on training intensity, and energy provision and performance during exhaustive supramaximal-intensity cycling and a 4- and 10-km time trial (TT). Methods: Fourteen trained cyclists (VO2max = 4.5 ± 0.6 L·min-1) participated in this placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Subjects performed a supramaximal cycling test to exhaustion (equivalent to 120% VO2max) and a 4- and 10-km TT and 4 x 1-km sprints at three time points: before and after 28 d of supplementation loading (6.4 g·d-1) with β-alanine (n = 7) or a placebo (n = 7), and after a 5-wk supervised, SIT program performed twice weekly (repeated 1- km cycling sprints) whilst maintaining supplementation with β-alanine (1.2 g·d-1) or a placebo. Results: Following the loading period, sprint 3 and 4 of the 4 x 1-km sprint intervals were improved with β-alanine supplementation (4.5 ± 3.4% and 7.0 ± 4.0%; P < 0.05, respectively). After 5 wk of SIT, training intensity increased in both groups but the change was greater with β- alanine supplementation (9.9 ± 5.0% vs. 4.9 ± 5.0; P = 0.04). β-alanine supplementation also improved supramaximal cycling time to exhaustion to a greater extent than placebo (14.9 ± 9.2% vs. 9.0 ± 6.9%; P = 0.04), while 4- and 10-km TT performance improved to a similar magnitude in both groups. Following SIT, β-alanine also increased anaerobic capacity (5.5 ± 4.2%; P = 0.04), while VO2peak increased similarly in each group (3.1 ± 2.9% vs. 3.5 ± 2.9%; P < 0.05). Conclusion: These findings indicate that β-alanine supplementation enhances training intensity during SIT and provides additional benefits to exhaustive supramaximal cycling compared to SIT alone.
View less >
View more >Purpose: The present study investigated the effects of β-alanine supplementation only, and in combination with sprint-interval training (SIT), on training intensity, and energy provision and performance during exhaustive supramaximal-intensity cycling and a 4- and 10-km time trial (TT). Methods: Fourteen trained cyclists (VO2max = 4.5 ± 0.6 L·min-1) participated in this placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Subjects performed a supramaximal cycling test to exhaustion (equivalent to 120% VO2max) and a 4- and 10-km TT and 4 x 1-km sprints at three time points: before and after 28 d of supplementation loading (6.4 g·d-1) with β-alanine (n = 7) or a placebo (n = 7), and after a 5-wk supervised, SIT program performed twice weekly (repeated 1- km cycling sprints) whilst maintaining supplementation with β-alanine (1.2 g·d-1) or a placebo. Results: Following the loading period, sprint 3 and 4 of the 4 x 1-km sprint intervals were improved with β-alanine supplementation (4.5 ± 3.4% and 7.0 ± 4.0%; P < 0.05, respectively). After 5 wk of SIT, training intensity increased in both groups but the change was greater with β- alanine supplementation (9.9 ± 5.0% vs. 4.9 ± 5.0; P = 0.04). β-alanine supplementation also improved supramaximal cycling time to exhaustion to a greater extent than placebo (14.9 ± 9.2% vs. 9.0 ± 6.9%; P = 0.04), while 4- and 10-km TT performance improved to a similar magnitude in both groups. Following SIT, β-alanine also increased anaerobic capacity (5.5 ± 4.2%; P = 0.04), while VO2peak increased similarly in each group (3.1 ± 2.9% vs. 3.5 ± 2.9%; P < 0.05). Conclusion: These findings indicate that β-alanine supplementation enhances training intensity during SIT and provides additional benefits to exhaustive supramaximal cycling compared to SIT alone.
View less >
Journal Title
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
Copyright Statement
© 2016 LWW. This is a non-final version of an article published in final form in Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 48(12):2417–2425, DEC 2016. Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher. Please refer to the journal link for access to the definitive, published version.
Subject
Sports science and exercise
Sports science and exercise not elsewhere classified
Medical physiology
Health services and systems
Public health