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Effects of Combined Versus Isolated Beta-Alanine and Sodium Bicarbonate Supplementation on Physical Capacity in Highly Trained Female Basketball Players: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

  • 2026-06-01
  • International journal of sports physiology and performance 21(6)
    • Jakub Adamczewski
    • Mikołaj Szymocha
    • Natalia Główka
    • Jacek Adrian
    • Krzysztof Durkalec-Michalski

Study Design

Type
Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
Population
68 highly trained female basketball players aged 21.4 (4.2) years
Methods
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel trial; participants received BA or PLBA (6.4 g·d-1) for 28 days, with SB or PLSB (0.3 g·kg-1·d-1) added in the final 7 days; exercise tests included CMJ, WAnT, and incremental cycling test
Blinding
Double-blind
Duration
28 days
Funding
Unclear

Purpose

To examine the effects of combined versus isolated beta-alanine (BA) and sodium bicarbonate (SB) supplementation on physical capacity in highly trained female basketball players.

Methods

Sixty-eight athletes aged 21.4 (4.2) years participated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo (PL)-controlled parallel trial. Participants were assigned to one of four treatments: BA+SB, BA+PLSB, PLBA+SB, or PLBA+PLSB. They received BA or PLBA (6.4 g·d-1) for 28 days. In the final 7 days, SB or PLSB (0.3 g·kg-1·d-1) was added to the ongoing supplementation. Exercise tests included countermovement jump (CMJ), Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT), and incremental cycling test. The tests were performed in the following order: CMJ1, WAnT1, incremental cycling test, WAnT2, and CMJ2. Heart rate, ratings of perceived exertion, body mass, and composition were also assessed. Data were analyzed with repeated-measures analysis of variance.

Results

BA+SB and PLBA+SB supplementation increased peak power during WAnT1 compared to presupplementation (both P < .001; large effect). Additionally, mean heart rate was lower in BA+SB during incremental cycling test at postsupplementation compared to PLBA+SB (P = .04; large effect). BA+PLSB did not influence any physical capacity outcomes. Moreover, no changes in ratings of perceived exertion, body mass, and composition were observed.

Conclusions

BA+SB and PLBA+SB supplementation enhanced peak power in WAnT1 without compromising subsequent physical capacity indices. BA+SB potentially reduced cardiovascular strain during submaximal exercise. In contrast, BA+PLSB did not confer any ergogenic benefits. These findings suggest that SB-containing protocols may improve high-intensity capabilities in highly trained female basketball players.

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