Beta-Alanine Effects on Neuromuscular and Cardiovascular Performance in Female Rugby Players

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Placebo Comparator: Placebo group will receive 4.8 grams per day of placebo, containing fructose (3000 mg) and excipients (1800 mg) such as cellulose, calcium phosphate, silicon dioxide, and magnesium stearate. Both supplements will be matched in appearance and dosing schedule to ensure proper blinding. Compliance with the supplementation protocol will be monitored throughout the intervention period.

Beta-Alanine: Participants assigned to the experimental group will receive beta-alanine supplementation (CROWN Sport Nutrition, La Rioja, España) at a dose of 4.8 grams per day for a period of four weeks . The supplement will be administered in divided doses throughout the day to enhance absorption and minimize potential side effects such as paresthesia

Study summary

This study will examine the effects of beta-alanine supplementation on physical performance in female rugby players, who will ingest 4.8 grams/day over a four-week period. The research will evaluate both cardiovascular and neuromuscular outcomes, with cardiovascular performance assessed using the Bronco Test (a field-based measure of endurance and repeated high-intensity running ability) and neuromuscular performance (e.g.vertical jump capacity).

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Bronco Test (Cardiovascular Test) — Before and after the intervention period, which lasted four weeks.
  The Bronco Test will be used to assess cardiovascular fitness and the ability to perform repeated high-intensity running efforts. This field-based test consists of continuous shuttle running over increasing distances (typically 20, 40, and 60 meters) repeated multiple times without rest, totaling 1,200 meters. Participants are required to complete the test as quickly as possible, with total time recorded as the main performance outcome. The Bronco Test is widely used in team sports such as rugby due to its strong ecological validity, as it reflects the intermittent and high-intensity nature of match play. Improvements in completion time are indicative of enhanced aerobic capacity, speed endurance, and overall cardiovascular performance.
• Repeated sprint ability capacity — Before and after the intervention period, which lasted four weeks.
  Repeated-sprint ability will be assesed using a 6 × 30 m repeated-sprint test, from which two indices were derived: total sprint time and percent sprint decrement. Total sprint time was calculated as the sum of the six individual sprint times, expressed in seconds, and represents overall sprint performance across repeated efforts. The percent sprint decrement was used as an indicator of fatigue, reflecting the decline in performance across successive sprints.

Trial sites (1)

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