Effect of beta-alanine supplementation during high-intensity interval training on repeated sprint ability performance and neuromuscular fatigue

Author(s)

Milioni, Fabio ^[1] ; Bonetti de Poli, Rodrigo Araujo ^[1] ; Saunders, Bryan ^{[2, 3]} ; Gualano, Bruno ^[2] ; da Rocha, Alisson L. ^[4] ; Ramos da Silva, Adelino Sanchez ^[4] ; Guerrero Muller, Paulo de Tarso ^[5] ; Zagatto, Alessandro Moura ^{[1, 6]}

Affiliation

^[1] Sao Paulo State Univ, Lab Physiol & Human Performance, Post Grad Program Human Movement Sci, Bauru, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Med, Sch Phys Educ & Sport, Rheumatol Div, Appl Physiol & Nutr Res Grp, Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

^[3] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Med, Inst Orthopaed & Traumatol, Ribeirao Preto, SP - Brazil

^[4] Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Phys Educ & Sports Ribeirao Preto, Ribeirao Preto, SP - Brazil

^[5] Mato Grosso do Sul Fed Univ, Lab Resp Pathophysiol, Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

^[6] Sao Paulo State Univ, Fac Sci, Dept Phys Educ, Bauru, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Journal of Applied Physiology; v. 127, n. 6, p. 1599-1610, DEC 2019.
• Web of Science Citations: 1

Abstract

The study investigated the influence of beta-alanine supplementation during a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program on repeated sprint ability (RSA) performance. This study was randomized, double-blinded, and placebo controlled. Eighteen men performed an incremental running test until exhaustion (T-INC) at baseline and followed by 4-wk HIIT (10 x 1min runs 90% maximal T-INC velocity {[}1-min recovery]). Then, participants were randomized into two groups and performed a 6-wk HIIT associated with supplementation of 6.4 g/day of beta-alanine (G beta) or dextrose (placebo group; GP). Pre- and post-6-wk HIIT + supplementation, participants performed the following tests: 1) T-INC; 2) supramaximal running test; and 3) 2 x 6 x 35-m sprints (RSA). Before and immediately after RSA, neuromuscular function was assessed by vertical jumps, maximal isometric voluntary contractions of knee extension, and neuromuscular electrical stimulations. Muscle biopsies were performed to determine muscle carnosine content, muscle buffering capacity in vitro (beta m(in) (vitro)), and content of phos-phofructokinase (PFK), monocarboxylate transporter 4 (MCT4), and hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1 alpha). Both groups showed a significant time effect for maximal oxygen uptake (G beta: 6.2 +/- 3.6% and GP: 6.5 +/- 4.2%; P > 0.01); only G beta showed a time effect for total (-3.0 +/- 2.0%; P > 0.001) and best (-3.3 +/- 3.0%; P = 0.03) RSA times. A group-by-time interaction was shown after HIIT + Supplementation for muscle carnosine (G beta: 34.4 +/- 2.3 mmol.kg(-1).dm(-1) and GP: 20.7 +/- 3.0 mmol.kg(-1) dm(-1); P = 0.003) and neuromuscular voluntary activation after RSA (G beta: 87.2 +/- 3.3% and GP: 78.9 +/- 12.4%; P = 0.02). No time effect or group-by-time interaction was shown for supramaximal running test performance, beta m, and content of PFK, MCT4, and HIF-1 alpha. In summary, beta-alanine supplementation during HIIT increased muscle carnosine and attenuated neuromuscular fatigue, which may contribute to an enhancement of RSA performance. NEW \& NOTEWORTHY beta-Alanine supplementation during a high-intensity interval training program increased repeated sprint performance. The improvement of muscle carnosine content induced by beta-alanine supplementation may have contributed to an attenuation of central fatigue during repeated sprint. Overall, beta-alanine supplementation may be a useful dietary intervention to prevent fatigue. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 16/02683-6 - Influence of beta-alanine supplementation associated with high-intensity interval training on performance of repeated sprints.
• Grantee: Fabio Milioni
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 16/11076-6 - ²-alanine supplementation associated to high-intensity interval training on performance and central and peripheral fatigue processes during repeated sprints
• Grantee: Alessandro Moura Zagatto
• Support type: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 16/17836-2 - Effects of neuromuscular post activation induced by jumps in anaerobic capacity in cycle
• Grantee: Rodrigo de Araujo Bonetti de Poli
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• FAPESP's process: 16/50438-0 - Nutritional suplementation and exercise to optimize exercise performance: focus on individual responses and a step towards personalized sports nutrition
• Grantee: Bryan Saunders
• Support type: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants