Beta-alanine did not improve high-intensity performance throughout simulated road cycling
Pedro Perim1, Nathan Gobbi1, Breno Duarte1
1Applied Physiology and Nutrition Research Group, School of Physical Education and Sport; Rheumatology Division; Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, BR, University of São Paulo, Brazil.
Beta-alanine supplementation increased muscle carnosine content in cyclists but did not improve short-duration sprint performance or 4-km uphill cycling time-trial performance during simulated road race conditions.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Nutritional Biochemistry
- Sports Science
Background:
- Performance in prolonged cycling events relies on sustained high power output during intense periods.
- Cyclists' ability to resist fatigue during high-intensity activity is crucial for race success.
- Existing meta-analyses support beta-alanine's efficacy in improving exercise outcomes, yet its impact on dynamic cycling actions is less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of beta-alanine supplementation on short-duration sprints within a simulated road race cycling protocol.
- To assess beta-alanine's impact on 4-km uphill cycling time-trial performance following prolonged exercise.
- To determine if observed performance changes correlate with increased muscle carnosine content.
Main Methods:
- A placebo-controlled, double-blind study involving 17 cyclists.
- Participants underwent a 125-minute intermittent cycling protocol with 10-second sprints every 20 minutes, concluding with a 4-km uphill time-trial.
- Supplementation involved 28 days of 6.4 g/day beta-alanine or placebo, with muscle biopsies analyzed for carnosine content pre- and post-supplementation.
Main Results:
- Beta-alanine supplementation significantly increased muscle carnosine content (P<0.0001).
- No significant improvements were observed in sprint performance during the intermittent cycling test (P>0.05).
- No significant differences in 4-km time-trial completion time were found between groups or over time (P>0.26).
Conclusions:
- Chronic beta-alanine supplementation effectively increases muscle carnosine levels in cyclists.
- This increase in muscle carnosine did not translate to enhanced performance in short-duration sprints or the final 4-km uphill time-trial.
- The findings suggest that beta-alanine may not benefit high-intensity cycling efforts (≤10 seconds or >10 minutes) common in simulated road races, despite elevated carnosine.
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