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Beta-alanine supplementation enhances judo-related performance in highly-trained athletes.

  • 2017-04
  • Journal of science and medicine in sport 20(4)
    • Caroline de Andrade Kratz
    • Vitor de Salles Painelli
    • Kleiner Márcio de Andrade Nemezio
    • Rafael Pires da Silva
    • Emerson Franchini
    • Alessandro Moura Zagatto
    • Bruno Gualano
    • Guilherme Giannini Artioli

Study Design

Type
Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
Population
Twenty-three highly-trained judo athletes
Methods
Randomly assigned to receive either beta-alanine (6.4g day^-1) or placebo (dextrose, same dosage) for 4 weeks. Performance assessed through a 5-min simulated fight (randori) followed by 3 bouts of the Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT)
Blinding
Double-blind
Duration
4 weeks
Funding
Unclear

Objectives

In official judo competitions, athletes usually engage in 5-7 matches in the same day, performing numerous high-intensity efforts interspersed by short recovery intervals. Thus, glycolytic demand in judo is high and acidosis may limit performance. Carnosine is a relevant intracellular acid buffer whose content is increased with beta-alanine supplementation. Thus, we hypothesized that beta-alanine supplementation could attenuate acidosis and improve judo performance.

Design

Twenty-three highly-trained judo athletes were randomly assigned to receive either beta-alanine (6.4gday-1) or placebo (dextrose, same dosage) for 4 weeks.

Methods

Performance was assessed before (PRE) and after (POST) supplementation through a 5-min simulated fight (randori) followed by 3 bouts of the Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT). Blood samples were collected for blood pH, bicarbonate (HCO3-) and lactate determination.

Results

Beta-alanine supplementation improved the number of throws per set and the total number of throws (both p<0.05). Placebo did not change these variables (both p>0.05). Blood pH and HCO3- reduced after exercise (all p<0.001), with no between-group differences (all p>0.05). However, the lactate response to exercise increased in the beta-alanine group as compared to placebo (p<0.05).

Conclusions

In conclusion, 4 weeks of beta-alanine supplementation effectively enhance judo-related performance in highly-trained athletes.

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