Does Beta-Alanine Supplementation Potentiate Muscle Performance Following 6 Weeks of Blood Flow Restriction or Traditional Resistance Training?

UNLABELLED

We aimed to compare the effects of beta-alanine on Traditional Resistance Training (TRAD) or Blood Flow Restriction Training (BFR).

METHODS

19 subjects were randomly allocated to a Placebo ( = 10) or beta-alanine ( = 9) group. Subjects from both groups were trained unilaterally (unilateral arm curl) for six weeks, and each arm was trained using a different paradigm (BFR or TRAD). One repetition maximum (1RM) test measurements were performed before and after the strength training program. Work output was accessed as the total weight lifted (repetitions × weight lifted × sets) for the entire strength training program.

RESULTS

1RM or total weight lifted was not increased by beta-alanine supplementation. However, the TRAD-trained arm showed a significantly increased 1RM and total weight lifted compared to the BFR arm ( < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

We conclude that in the short-term (6 weeks) and following the current experimental conditions, beta-alanine does not benefit BFR or TRAD in terms of total weight lifted (volume of training) or maximal strength (1RM).