Beta-Alanine Does Not Enhance the Effects of Resistance Training in Older Adults.

2018-01-16
Journal of dietary supplements 15(6)
- Christopher H Bailey
- Joseph F Signorile
- Arlette C Perry
- Kevin A Jacobs
- Nicholas D Myers

PubMed: 29336621
DOI: 10.1080/19390211.2017.1406422

Study Design

Type: Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
Sample size: n = 27
Population: 27 participants (60-82 years of age)
Methods: randomly assigned to a 12-week double-blind intervention using 3.2 g/day beta-alanine or placebo with or without resistance training
Blinding: Double-blind
Duration: 12 weeks

To investigate the potential of beta-alanine to increase muscular endurance of elder individuals in specific resistance-training protocols, we randomly assigned 27 participants (60-82 years of age) to a 12-week double-blind intervention using 3.2 g/day beta-alanine or placebo with or without resistance training to determine the effects on anthropometrics, muscular performance, and activities of daily living (ADL). The endurance-based resistance-training program (ERT) was given three times per week and included two sets of 15-25 repetitions on 11 computerized pneumatic machines (alternating upper and lower body) at an intensity of 50% of maximum lifting weight (1RM). Mixed design analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed no significant group × time interactions (p > .05) for any anthropometric or strength measures except 1RM leg press (p = .010). A post hoc analysis revealed significant improvements in 1RM leg press for both the resistance-training groups (p < .001) but no significant between-group difference attributable to beta-alanine. For the 20-repetition chest and leg press tests, no main effects of beta-alanine or group × time interactions for the exercise versus control groups were observed. Pairwise comparisons, however, did reveal significant improvements in peak and average power for both tests and fatigue index for the chest press in resistance-training groups. Although beta-alanine had no effect on any measures, the ERT program did positively affect three performance variables: 1RM, mechanical power, and fatigue patterns during muscular endurance testing. Future research should examine beta-alanine with different dosages and training programs to expand upon our findings using endurance-based resistance training.

Research Insights

Beta-Alanine→Improved Anthropometric Measures
Mixed design analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed no significant group × time interactions (p > .05) for any anthropometric or strength measures except 1RM leg press (p = .010).
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
3.2 g/day
Beta-Alanine→Improved Average Power
Pairwise comparisons, however, did reveal significant improvements in peak and average power for both tests and fatigue index for the chest press in resistance-training groups.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
3.2 g/day
Beta-Alanine→Improved Average Power During Leg Press
For the 20-repetition chest and leg press tests, no main effects of beta-alanine or group × time interactions for the exercise versus control groups were observed.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
3.2 g/day
Beta-Alanine→Improved Average Power Output During Chest Press
For the 20-repetition chest and leg press tests, no main effects of beta-alanine or group × time interactions for the exercise versus control groups were observed.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
3.2 g/day
Beta-Alanine→Improved Fatigue Index
Pairwise comparisons, however, did reveal significant improvements in peak and average power for both tests and fatigue index for the chest press in resistance-training groups.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
3.2 g/day
Beta-Alanine→Improved Leg Press 1RM
A post hoc analysis revealed significant improvements in 1RM leg press for both the resistance-training groups (p < .001) but no significant between-group difference attributable to beta-alanine.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
3.2 g/day
Beta-Alanine→Improved Leg Press Power
Pairwise comparisons, however, did reveal significant improvements in peak and average power for both tests and fatigue index for the chest press in resistance-training groups.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
3.2 g/day
Beta-Alanine→Improved Muscular Endurance
For the 20-repetition chest and leg press tests, no main effects of beta-alanine or group × time interactions for the exercise versus control groups were observed.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
3.2 g/day
Beta-Alanine→Improved One-Repetition Maximum Leg Press
A post hoc analysis revealed significant improvements in 1RM leg press for both the resistance-training groups (p < .001) but no significant between-group difference attributable to beta-alanine.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
3.2 g/day
Beta-Alanine→Improved Peak Power
For the 20-repetition chest and leg press tests, no main effects of beta-alanine or group × time interactions for the exercise versus control groups were observed.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
3.2 g/day