No Effect of [beta]-alanine on Muscle Function and Kayak Performance.

Purpose: It was investigated if [beta]-alanine supplementation counteracts muscular fatigue development or improves athletic performance. Methods: Elite kayak rowers (10 males and 7 females) were supplemented with either 80 mg/kg body mass/day [beta]-alanine or placebo for 8 weeks. Muscular fatigue development was investigated by applying a 2 min elbow flexor maximal voluntary contraction (MVC). Electromyography (EMG) was recorded continuously and voluntary activation (VA) was determined 30, 60, 90 and 115 s into the 2 min MVC. Additionally, performance was evaluated as 1000 m and 5 x 250 m kayak ergometer rowing. Results: Force reduction during the 2 min MVC was similar before and after supplementation with [beta]-alanine (30.9 +/- 10.3 % vs 36.0 +/- 14.1 %) and placebo (35.5 +/- 7.7 % vs 35.1 +/- 8.0 %). No time-effect was apparent in VA during the 2 min MVC. Additionally, there was no detectable effect of [beta]-alanine supplementation on 1000 m kayak ergometer performance ([beta]-alanine: 0.26 +/- 0.02 % vs placebo: -0.18 +/- 0.02 %) or accumulated 5 x 250 m time ([beta]-alanine: -1.0 +/- 0.3 % vs placebo: -1.0 +/- 0.2 %). In 5 x 250 m, mean power output (MPO) was reduced to a similar extend from 1st to 5th interval before and after supplementation with [beta]-alanine (23 +/- 11 % vs 22 +/- 10 %) and placebo (26 +/- 13 % vs 20 +/- 5 %). Conclusion: 2 min MVC characteristics are unaffected by [beta]-alanine supplementation in elite kayakers and likewise both a 1000 m kayak ergometer time trial lasting 4-5 min as well as 5 x 250 m repeated sprint ability was unaltered by supplementation. (C) 2017 American College of Sports Medicine

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