The Effects of Beta-Alanine and Sodium Bicarbonate Supplementation on Anaerobic Performance in Trained Males

Abstract

PURPOSE: The study was designed to examine the effects of chronic beta-alanine supplementation and acute sodium bicarbonate supplementation on anaerobic performance using a cycle ergometer protocol. METHODS: Ten trained males (O2peak 52.14 ± 4.24 ml-1.kg-1.min) performed an 8 minute anaerobic exercise cycling protocol before, after chronic beta-alanine supplementation, and after the combination of chronic beta—alanine and acute sodium bicarbonate supplementation. Subjects were instructed to take 6.4 grams of beta-alanine in 4 doses spread throughout the day at the same time each day for 4 weeks. At the completion of the beta-alanine experimental session each subject was given a sodium bicarbonate supplement to take acutely for 24 hours prior to the combination of chronic beta-alanine and acute sodium bicarbonate supplementation experimental session. Each subject took 0.5 grams of sodium bicarbonate per kilogram of bodyweight ingested in 4 doses evenly spread throughout the 24 hours prior to the final session. The 8 min intermittent cycling protocol used for each session included 30 seconds of maximum effort followed by 30 seconds of active recovery for 8 rounds. The performance variables measured every minute included lactate, RTW (relative total work), RAAP (relative average anaerobic power), TREPS (total repetitions), RPE, O2 and RER. RESULTS: Significant interactions were found for RTW, RAAP, TREPS and RPE. RTW was significantly greater post supplement 2 (MPS2 = 131.68 ± 4.44) compared to control (MC = 116.86 ± 3.25) at time point 3:30. RAAP was significantly greater post supplement 1 (MPS1 = 4.42 ± .19) compared to control (MC = 4.05 ± .21) for time point 3:30. Although RTW and RAAP were only significant at one time point (3:30), a trend toward an increase in RTW and RAAP was found. CONCLUSION: A trend toward higher RTW and RAAP during the 8 min intermittent cycling protocol may indicate the benefit of chronic beta-alanine combined with acute sodium bicarbonate supplementation outside the widely studied exercise length of 60-240 seconds.