Date of Award

5-2017

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Human Performance

Department

Kinesiology

First Advisor

Chad Kerksick

Second Advisor

Jonathan Mike

Third Advisor

Cynthia Schroeder

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of six weeks of beta-alanine (BA) supplementation on the anaerobic performance of collegiate male rugby players. Beta-alanine is a precursor to carnosine, an intramuscular buffer that helps maintain pH during high-intensity exercise. Rugby is a sport characterized by repeated bouts of high-intensity efforts, making it a prime candidate to benefit from improved buffering capacity.

Twenty-one male rugby players were recruited for the double-blind, placebo-controlled study, with 16 completing the post-testing. Participants were randomly assigned to either a beta-alanine group (6.4 g/day) or a placebo group (6.4 g/day of maltodextrin). Both groups continued their normal team training and conditioning sessions throughout the six-week period.

The researchers assessed several performance variables, including body composition via DEXA, a high-intensity intermittent running test (the "rugby 150"), and muscular strength endurance using five sets to failure for both bench press and back squat at 70% of their 1RM.

The results showed minimal to no benefit from beta-alanine supplementation on body composition, strength, strength endurance, or intermittent running performance. A statistical trend was noted for a greater increase in 1RM bench press in the beta-alanine group compared to the placebo group, but this was not seen in the back squat. The study concludes that the supplement offered limited support for improving anaerobic exercise in this population, suggesting that the intermittent nature of the exercise with short rest periods may not have been a sufficient stimulus for beta-alanine's effects, which are most profound in unbroken, high-intensity efforts lasting 60-240 seconds.

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