The effect of 8 weeks beta-alanine supplementation and resistance training on maximal-intensity exercise performance adaptations in young males

Abstract

Objectives : The aim of this study was to examine the effects of 8 weeks beta-alanine (BA) supplementation with resistance training on some components of physical fitness and body composition in young males. Methods : Twenty healthy young men volunteered to participate for the study and divided into two groups and performed 8-week resistance training while supplementing with either BA or placebo (4.8 g per day). The subjects were evaluated for 1 repetition maximum (1RM) bench press and leg press, vertical jump (VJ), anaerobic power (RAST) prior to and after training intervention. In addition, body composition variables such as percent body fat, and BMI were assessed per and post training period. Results : Both the groups showed significant increases in 1RM bench press and leg press, VJ, and anaerobic power (RAST), and also the BA supplementation group showed greater gains compared with the placebo. In addition, percent body fat decreased significantly in BA and placebo groups, while no statistically significant changes were seen in BMI for the BA supplementation group and placebo group. Conclusions : The results indicated that resistance training improved physical performance and BA supplementation induced greater gains and therefore it could be recommend to coaches and athletes who use this supplementation to greater gains in physical fitness variables.