Effects of Four Weeks of beta-Alanine Supplementation on Repeated Sprint Ability in Water Polo Players

Author(s)

Pinheiro Brisola, Gabriel Motta ; Artioli, Guilherme Giannini ; Papoti, Marcelo ; Zagatto, Alessandro Moura

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: PLoS One; v. 11, n. 12 DEC 8 2016.
• Web of Science Citations: 5

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of four weeks of beta-alanine supplementation on repeated sprint ability in water polo players. Twenty-two male water polo players participated in the study, divided randomly into two homogeneous groups (placebo and beta-alanine groups). The study design was double-blind, parallel and placebo controlled. Before and after the supplementation period (28 days), the athletes performed two specific repeated sprint ability tests interspaced by a 30-minute swimming test. Participants received 4.8g.day(-1) of the supplement (dextrose or beta-alanine) on the first 10 days and 6.4g.day(-1) on the final 18 days. There was no significant group-time interaction for any variable. The qualitative inference for substantial changes demonstrated a likely beneficial effect in the beta-alanine group (beta-alanine vs placebo) for mean time (6.6 +/- 0.4s vs 6.7 +/- 0.4s; 81% likely beneficial), worst time (6.9 +/- 0.5s vs 7.1 +/- 0.5s; 78% likely beneficial) and total time (39.3 +/- 2.5s vs 40.4 +/- 2.5s; 81% likely beneficial) in the first repeated sprint ability set and for worst time (7.2 +/- 0.6s vs 7.5 +/- 0.6s; 57% possible beneficial) in the second repeated sprint ability set. Further, was found substantial change for total time for both repeated sprint ability tests (80.8 +/- 5.7s vs 83.4 +/- 5.6s; 52% possible beneficial). To conclude, four weeks of beta-alanine supplementation had a likely beneficial effect in the first set of repeated sprint ability tests and a possible beneficial effect for worst time in the second set performed in a specific protocol in water polo players. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 14/02186-7 - The effects of beta-alanine supplements on anaerobic capacity and power, skill repeated efforts in water polo
• Grantee: Gabriel Motta Pinheiro Brisola
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master