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The effects of beta-alanine supplementation and high-intensity interval training on neuromuscular fatigue and muscle function

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of beta-alanine supplementation and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on electromyographic fatigue threshold (EMGFT) and efficiency of electrical activity (EEA). A total of 46 men completed four, 2-min work bouts on a cycle ergometer. Using bipolar surface electrodes, the EMG amplitude was averaged and plotted over the 2-min. The resulting slopes were used to calculate EMGFT and EEA. Following initial testing, all participants were randomly assigned to either placebo (PL; n = 18), beta-alanine (BA; n = 18) or control groups (CON; n = 10). Following randomization, participants engaged in 6 weeks of HIIT training. Significant improvements in EMGFT and EEA resulted for both training groups. In conclusion, HIIT appeared to be the primary stimulus effecting EMGFT or EEA, suggesting adaptations from HIIT may be more influential than increasing skeletal muscle carnosine levels on delaying fatigue in recreationally active men.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank FSI Nutrition, 2132 South 156th Circle, Omaha, NE (www.fsinutrition.com) and RunFast Promotions, 8790 Wendy Lane South, West Palm Beach FL, 33411(www.runfastpromotions.com) for supporting and funding this research endeavor.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Metabolic and Body Composition Laboratory, Department of Health and Exercise Science, University of Oklahoma, 1401 Asp Ave HHC 104, Norman, OK, 73019, USA

    Abbie E. Smith, Jordan R. Moon, Kristina L. Kendall, Jennifer L. Graef, Christopher M. Lockwood & Jeffrey R. Stout

  2. Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Health and Exercise Science, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, 73019, USA

    Ashley A. Walter, Travis W. Beck & Joel T. Cramer

Authors
  1. Abbie E. Smith
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  2. Jordan R. Moon
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  3. Kristina L. Kendall
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  4. Jennifer L. Graef
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  5. Christopher M. Lockwood
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  6. Ashley A. Walter
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  8. Joel T. Cramer
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  9. Jeffrey R. Stout
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Correspondence to Jeffrey R. Stout.

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Smith, A.E., Moon, J.R., Kendall, K.L. et al. The effects of beta-alanine supplementation and high-intensity interval training on neuromuscular fatigue and muscle function. Eur J Appl Physiol 105, 357–363 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-008-0911-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-008-0911-7

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