Beta-Alanine Does Not Enhance the Effects of Resistance Training in Older Adults.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to determine if beta-alanine could enhance muscular endurance in elderly individuals undergoing endurance-based resistance training.
Results Summary
Beta-alanine showed no significant effects on anthropometrics, strength, or endurance measures compared to placebo. Resistance training alone improved 1RM leg press, mechanical power, and fatigue patterns, but beta-alanine provided no additional benefits.
Population
Elderly individuals aged 60-82 years.
Effective Dosage
3.2 g/day
Duration
12 weeks
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
beta-alanine | no change | anthropometric measures | 27 participants (60-82 years of age) | p > .05 | no significant group × time interactions | #1 |
beta-alanine | no change | strength measures | 27 participants (60-82 years of age) | p > .05 | no significant group × time interactions | #2 |
resistance training | increase | 1RM leg press | resistance-training groups | p < .001 | significant improvements | #3 |
beta-alanine | no change | 1RM leg press | resistance-training groups | - | no significant between-group difference attributable to | #4 |
beta-alanine | no change | 20-repetition chest press test | exercise versus control groups | - | no main effects of | #5 |
beta-alanine | no change | 20-repetition leg press test | exercise versus control groups | - | no main effects of | #6 |
resistance training | increase | 20-repetition chest press test | resistance-training groups | - | significant improvements in peak and average power | #7 |
resistance training | increase | 20-repetition leg press test | resistance-training groups | - | significant improvements in peak and average power | #8 |
resistance training | increase | chest press | resistance-training groups | - | significant improvements in fatigue index | #9 |
beta-alanine | no change | - | 27 participants (60-82 years of age) | - | had no effect on any measures | #10 |
endurance-based resistance training (ERT) program | increase | 1RM | 27 participants (60-82 years of age) | - | positively affected | #11 |
endurance-based resistance training (ERT) program | increase | mechanical power | 27 participants (60-82 years of age) | - | positively affected | #12 |
endurance-based resistance training (ERT) program | increase | fatigue patterns during muscular endurance testing | 27 participants (60-82 years of age) | - | positively affected | #13 |
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.