Beta-alanine Supplementation and CrossFit Performance

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Exercise-Induced Lactic Acidemia
• Interventions: Dietary Supplement: Beta-alanine; Dietary Supplement: Maltodextrin

• Registration Number: NCT05772988
• Lead Sponsor: University of Saskatchewan

Brief Summary

This study will randomize CrossFit participants to receive beta-alanine or placebo supplementation for 3 weeks. The study will be double-blind. Performance on the "Fran" test will be completed at baseline and after the 3 week intervention. Respiratory exchange ratio will also be assessed during the performance test at baseline and after 3 weeks.

Detailed Description

Beta-alanine is a nutritional supplement often consumed by people involved in high-intensity sports that involve substantial lactic acidosis. If consumed on a regular basis, it improves muscle buffering capacity and exercise performance during high-intensity moderate-duration events. CrossFit involves competitions that are high in intensity and moderate duration and many elite CrossFit athletes have reported taking beta-alanine as a supplement. It has never however been evaluated in a research study for its affect on CrossFit performance. The purpose of the study is therefore to assess the effects of beta-alanine supplementation on CrossFit performance. A maximum of 30 CrossFit participants will participate in this randomized double-blind parallel groups study. Participants will be randomized to receive 6.4 g/d beta-alanine or maltodextrin placebo for 3 weeks. At baseline and after the intervention, participants will complete a "Fran" test, which involves performing sets of repeated dumbbell thrusters alternating with chin-ups. The performance measure is the time to complete the test. During the test, respiratory exchange ratio will be assessed to indirectly assess acidosis.

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2023-03-04
• Study First Submitted QC: 2023-03-14
• Study Start: 2023-03-15
• Study First Posted: 2023-03-17
• Primary Completion: 2023-08-31
• Study Completion: 2023-08-31
• Status Verified: 2024-05
• Last Update Submitted: 2024-05-24
• Last Update Posted: 2024-05-29

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 12

Inclusion Criteria

• Minimum of one year of CrossFit experience and doing CrossFit training at least twice a week

Exclusion Criteria

• Having consumed beta-alanine in the past six months
• Having changed the dose of any other nutritional supplement within the past month
• Having suffered a major physical injury in the past six months

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Beta-alanine	Beta-alanine	Beta-alanine to be given for three weeks
Maltodextrin	Maltodextrin	Placebo to be given for three weeks

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Change from baseline in time to perform a "Fran" CrossFit workout	Baseline, 3 weeks	This involves alternating sets of dumbbell thrusters and pull-uips

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Change from baseline in respiratory exchange ratio	Baseline, 3 weeks	Respiratory exchange ratio (carbon dioxide exhaled relative to oxygen consumed) during the performance test

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

University of Saskatchewan; 🇨🇦 Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada