Effects of ß-Alanine Supplementation on Subjects Performing High-Intensity Functional Training.

BACKGROUND: ß-alanine, a non-essential amino acid found in the diet and produced through nucleotide catabolism, is significant for muscle performance due to its role in carnosine synthesis. This study aims to assess the impact of a 4-week ß-alanine supplementation on neuromuscular fatigue in individuals engaging in High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT) and its subsequent effect on sports performance, distinguishing between central fatigue from the CNS and peripheral fatigue from the muscular system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study (a randomized controlled trial) comprised a total of 27 subjects, who were divided into two groups. Group A (the control group) was administered sucrose powder, while Group B (the experimental group) was given ß-alanine powder. The subjects were randomly assigned to either the experimental or control groups. This study lasted four weeks, during which both groups participated in high-intensity interval training (HIFT) on the first day to induce fatigue and work close to their VO2 max. RESULTS: Statistically significant changes were in the sports performance variables, specifically vertical jump and jumping power (p = 0.027). These changes were observed only in the group that had been supplemented with ß-alanine. Nevertheless, no alterations were observed in any other variables, including fatigue, metabolic intensity of exercise, or perceived intensity (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A four-week ß-alanine intake program demonstrated an improvement in the capacity of subjects, as evidenced by enhanced vertical jump and power performance. Nevertheless, it does result in discernible alterations in performance.

Muscle Recovery after a Single Bout of Functional Fitness Training.

BACKGROUND: Functional fitness training (FFT) is a new exercise modality that targets functional multi-joint actions via both muscle-strengthening exercises and aerobic training intervals. The aim of the study was to examine muscle recovery over a 20 min period after an FFT workout in trained adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Participants were 28 healthy trained subjects. In a single session, a countermovement jump (CMJ) was performed to determine several mechanical variables (jump height, maximum velocity, power) before (preFFT) and 4, 10, and 20 min after the FFT workout (postFFT). In parallel, capillary blood lactate concentrations were measured pre- and 3 min postFFT. Heart rate was also measured before and after the workout, and perceived exertion was measured postFFT. RESULTS: Significant differences between the time points preFFT and 4 min and 10 min postFFT, respectively, were produced in jump height (p = 0.022, p = 0.034), maximum velocity (p = 0.016, p = 0.005), average power relative (p = 0.018, p = 0.049), and average power total (p = 0.025, p = 0.049). No differences were observed in any of the variables recorded preFFT and 20 min postFFT. CONCLUSIONS: While mechanical variables indicating muscle fatigue were reduced 4 and 10 min postFFT, pre-exercise jump ability only really started to recover 20 min after FFT although not reaching pre-exercise levels. This means that ideally intervals of around 20 min of rest should be implemented between training bouts.