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Does Beta-Alanine Supplementation Potentiate Muscle Performance Following 6 Weeks of Blood Flow Restriction or
Kassiana DE Araujo Pessôa1,2, Jason Michael Cholewa2,3, Rayssa Sousasilva2
1Health Sciences Post Graduate Program, Biological and Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís - MA, Brazil.
Abstract:
We aimed to compare the effects of beta-alanine on Traditional Resistance Training (TRAD) or Blood Flow Restriction Training (BFR).
Methods:
19 subjects were randomly allocated to a Placebo (n = 10) or beta-alanine (n = 9) group. Subjects from both groups were trained unilaterally (unilateral arm curl) for six weeks, and each arm was trained using a different paradigm (BFR or TRAD). One repetition maximum (1RM) test measurements were performed before and after the strength training program. Work output was accessed as the total weight lifted (repetitions × weight lifted × sets) for the entire strength training program.
Results:
1RM or total weight lifted was not increased by beta-alanine supplementation. However, the TRAD-trained arm showed a significantly increased 1RM and total weight lifted compared to the BFR arm (p < 0.05).
Conclusion:
We conclude that in the short-term (6 weeks) and following the current experimental conditions, beta-alanine does not benefit BFR or TRAD in terms of total weight lifted (volume of training) or maximal strength (1RM).
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