Effects of beta-alanine and sodium bicarbonate on CrossFit® performance

Author(s)

Andre Guedes da Silva

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Medicina (FM/SBD)
• Defense date: 2023-11-21

Examining board members

Bryan Saunders; Flávio de Oliveira Pires; Hamilton Augusto Roschel da Silva

• Advisor: Bryan Saunders

Abstract

Up to now, CrossFit® has limited specific literature to guide supplementation strategies to improve exercise performance. There is current need for validation of tests that represent CrossFit®, and although there is physiological rationale for the use of buffering supplements in this modality, there remains a lack of scientific research. The present study aimed to analyze the reliability of the CrossFit® benchmark Cindy and to determine the effects of beta-alanine and sodium bicarbonate supplementation on CrossFit® performance. Twelve trained men, aged between 18 and 45 years, were recruited to this double-blind, randomized study with a total of five visits. The CrossFit® benchmark Cindy test was performed in each visit, with the first visit serving as a familiarization, the second and third for test-retest and baseline (Visit 3) performance, and the fourth and fifth visits as a cross-over for sodium bicarbonate or placebo performed post-supplementation of beta-alanine or placebo. Participants were allocated into two parallel groups and underwent supplementation (2 x 800 mg, 4 times a day for 4 weeks) of beta-alanine or placebo (maltodextrin) during the interval between the third and fourth visit. The final two tests were preceded by sodium bicarbonate (0.3 g/kg) and placebo (0.3 g/kg calcium carbonate) supplementation, creating the following conditions: 1) BA+SB, 2) BA+PLA, 3) PLA+SB, and 4) PLA+PLA. Results: Regarding reproducibility, there was a significant correlation between visit 1 and visit 2 (r = 0.87, P=0.0003), visit 1 and visit 3 (r = 0.97, P<0.0001), visit 2 and visit 3 (r = 0.91, P<0.0001), with CV 6% and ICC 0.9 between visits. Regarding the supplementation effects, post hoc analysis showed only a difference between BA+SB and PLA+PLA post-supplementation. Conclusion: The Cindy test proved to have good reliability for CrossFit® studies; however, there was no difference in performance resulting from supplementation except for a small difference between BA+SB and PLA+PLA that might suggest a performance-enhancing effect when combining these supplements effect. Further analyses with a larger sample size are needed for a better understanding of this phenomenon (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 19/22249-7 - Effects of beta-alanine and sodium bicarbonate supplementation on CrossFit performance
• Grantee: André Guedes da Silva
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master