J Appl Beta-alanime Article CAS PubMed Google Scholar Dux L Muscle relaxation and sarcoplasmic reticulum function in different muscle types. Murakami T, Furuse M. Dokl Akad Nauk SSSR.

Beta-alanine and muscular fatigue -

As such, it could be hypothesised that increasing muscle carnosine content, via BA supplementation, would have a more pronounced beneficial effect on HRT when the muscle is fatigued Bergstrom and Hultman The present study aimed to examine the effects of 28 days of BA supplementation on intrinsic in-vivo isometric knee extensor force production and muscle contractility in both fresh rested conditions and fatigued human skeletal muscle.

All participants were fully informed of any risks and discomforts associated with the study. Participants provided written informed consent and completed a health screen questionnaire prior to taking part in the study, which was first approved by the Nottingham Trent University Ethical Advisory Committee.

Twenty-four male participants were allocated to the two supplement groups [placebo PLA or BA] on the basis of maximal voluntary isometric force MVIF values recorded during familiarisation. Participants had not ingested any nutritional supplements, had no injuries of the lower limb, and were not involved in any systematic physical training in the 6 months prior to the study.

Participants were requested to maintain similar levels of physical activity and dietary intake, which was verbally confirmed at the start of each session.

None of the participants were vegetarian or vegan, and therefore, they would likely have encountered small amounts of BA in their diet.

This was a double-blind, placebo-controlled study with all raw data analyses, exclusions, and statistical analyses undertaken blind to the supplement group.

Participants undertook three experimental sessions; a familiarisation session, which preceded a baseline session by ~7 days, and a follow-up session after 28 days of supplementation.

Compliance with these requests was confirmed verbally with participants before commencing each session. Measurement sessions recorded force and surface electromyography EMG during a series of voluntary and involuntary electrically evoked isometric contractions of the knee extensors of the dominant leg.

All participants were first familiarised with the protocol measures, both baseline, and follow-up sessions involved an identical protocol performed according to a strict schedule.

Participants were provided with 6. San Marcos, USA or a matched PLA maltodextrin; NAI, Inc. The sustained-release formulation used in this study has been shown to reduce or remove the paraesthesia often experienced by participants following doses of free BA powder Decombaz et al.

Supplement compliance was verified with participant logs. Supplements were provided in identical white tubs by an individual blind to the supplement groups. BA tablets were tested by the manufacturer before release for the study and conformed to the label claim for BA content.

To ensure no contamination with steroids or stimulants according to the International Organization for Standardization IOS 17, accredited tests, the BA and PLA supplements were independently tested by HFL Sports Science.

The experimental setup for the determination of isometric knee extension force, EMG, and electrical stimulation in our laboratory has been described in detail previously Hannah et al. The chair position, strain gauge position, and strapping setup were recorded during the familiarisation session and replicated identically during subsequent testing sessions.

Force data were low-pass filtered in both directions at Hz using a fourth-order zero-lag Butterworth filter before analysis. Baseline resting force was subtracted from all force recordings to correct for the effects of gravity. EMG signals were recorded from the superficial quadriceps: m.

rectus femoris RF , m. vastus medialis VM , and m. vastus lateralis VL. The signals were sampled at Hz. EMG data were band-pass filtered in both directions between 20 and Hz using a fourth-order zero-lag Butterworth filter before analysis.

Knee extensor contractile properties were assessed using a constant current variable voltage stimulator DS7AH; Digitimer, Welwyn Garden City, UK. Square-wave pulses 0. Identification of force and EMG onset for all evoked and voluntary contractions was conducted manually using visual identification Hannah et al.

Voluntary and evoked contractions were elicited in accordance with a previously published method Hannah et al. A single electrical impulse was delivered with stepwise increments in the current to evoke a twitch response, until a plateau in the amplitude of twitch force and compound muscle action potentials M-waves was reached.

Three discrete supramaximal stimuli were then evoked to elicit maximal twitch responses and M-waves. Electromechanical delay EMD was defined as the time difference between M-wave onset 1st electrode site to be activated and force onset. Twitch force at 25 and 50 ms from force onset, was measured as markers of the explosive force production, peak force, time-to-peak tension TPT , and half-relaxation time HRT were also reported.

All measurements were averaged across the three maximal twitch contractions. The M-wave response for the three quadriceps electrodes was measured for M-wave area, from EMG onset to the point where the signal returned to baseline, and averaged across the three sites.

The mean M-wave area of the three supramaximal stimuli was defined as the maximal M-wave area M max and was used for normalisation of voluntary quadriceps EMG.

Strong verbal encouragement reiterating the instructions was provided during and after each contraction, together with visual onscreen feedback. Following each MVIC, supramaximal stimulation of the femoral nerve at the same configuration and stimulus intensity as the resting twitches was elicited to evoke maximal potentiated twitch.

MVIF was defined as the greatest instantaneous force during either the knee extensor MVICs or explosive voluntary contractions see below. The root mean square RMS of the EMG signal for each muscle RF, VM, and VL was calculated over a ms epoch surrounding MVIF ms either side and normalized to the corresponding M max.

All sites were then averaged to calculate a mean quadriceps value. EMD, force at 25 and 50 ms from onset, peak twitch force, TPT, and HRT were averaged across the four maximal potentiated twitch contractions. Explosive force was measured at 25 ms intervals up to ms after force onset.

The RMS of the EMG signal from each muscle was measured over three consecutive 50 ms time periods from EMG onset of the first agonist muscle to be activated i. Thereafter, RMS at each EMG site was normalized to M max and averaged to provide a mean quadriceps value.

All measurements were averaged across the three selected contractions. Force target levels were displayed on screen by horizontal cursors, with participants instructed to reach the target as quickly as possible, and then maintain this target force level as accurately as possible for ~3 s.

During each contraction intensity, the RMS of the EMG and average force over a stable ms part of the force trace minimal standard deviation of the force trace for that contraction. The EMG RMS values were normalized to M max and plotted against the respective force values. Octet contractions 8 impulses at Hz were evoked via supramaximal stimulation of the femoral nerve.

The octet force response was measured at 25 and 50 ms from force onset, as well as at the peak. All measurements were averaged across the three analysed contractions. Tetanic contractions were elicited via submaximal percutaneous electrical stimulation of the quadricep to examine the force—frequency relationship Lamont and Miller This current was then used for the following force—frequency measurements.

Peak force was defined as the greatest instantaneous force. Thereafter, the force values at each stimulation frequency were normalized to the force obtained at Hz.

Strong verbal encouragement was provided alongside visual feedback displayed onscreen. The time between start and end of the sustained fatigue was defined as the time-to-task failure TTF , with average force recorded across this time. Impulse kN. s was calculated as the product of the average force and TTF.

Immediately upon completion of the sustained fatigue hold, participants repeated all voluntary and evoked contractions. Fingertip capillary blood samples were taken at rest, immediately prior to and 5 min following the sustained fatigue hold.

Fingertip capillary blood lactate measured 5 min post-exercise provides an estimate of lower limb blood lactate contractions Comeau et al. Sampling involved the collection of 80 µL of whole blood into a heparin-coated clinitube; all samples were analysed immediately post-sampling Radiometer Ltd, UK.

Calculations were based on the previous findings Hobson et al. Statistical analyses were completed using SPSS version 22 SPSS Inc. All variables were assessed during both fresh and fatigued conditions.

The sustained fatigue time-to-task failure TTF and impulse were analysed using a two-way mixed-model ANOVA. A Greenhouse—Geisser correction was applied when the ANOVA assumption of sphericity was violated. Providing two effect sizes is suggested to yield a greater understanding of a specific effect Preacher and Kelly An effect size of 0.

Supplementation did not significantly influence twitch force, EMD, or TPT Table 1. Electrically evoked half-relaxation time of β-alanine BA and placebo PLA groups pre- and post-supplementation, in fresh and fatigued muscle during: resting twitch a , potentiated twitch b , and octets c.

Representative records of the force response during an electrically evoked resting twitch contraction pre- and post-supplementation with β-alanine under fresh conditions. These records are averaged records from three participants to provide an illustration of the decline in twitch half-relaxation time.

The percentage difference between fresh and fatigued resting twitch force remained similar between sessions for both supplementation groups. Supplementation did not significantly influence twitch force, EMD or TPT Table 1.

In both fresh and fatigued muscle, supplementation did not significantly alter octet peak force, EMD or TPT Table 1.

Octet force percentage change between fresh and fatigue was not significantly affected by supplementation. Supplementation had no effect on MVIF in fresh or fatigued muscle Fig. There was no effect of supplementation on force measures at 25 ms intervals during explosive voluntary contractions in fresh and fatigued states Fig.

Explosive force percentage change between fresh and fatigue of force remained unaffected by supplementation. Explosive and maximal voluntary isometric force MVIF responses a , and agonist EMG normalized to M-wave area M max during explosive contractions 0—50, 50—, and — ms from onset and at MVIF b for the BA and PLA groups pre- and post-supplementation, in fresh and fatigued muscles.

Agonist EMG normalized to M max during MVICs and explosive contraction remained uninfluenced by supplementation in fresh and fatigued muscles Fig. The slope and y-intercept of the force—EMG relationship were unaffected by supplementation in both fresh and fatigued muscles Fig.

The percentage change in agonist EMG normalized to M max during MVICs and explosive contraction was not significantly altered between sessions. TTF was unaffected by BA pre: Impulse was also not significantly influenced by BA pre: Blood lactate concentrations at rest and prior to the sustained fatigued hold were not significantly different Table 3.

The key findings from the present study are: a no effects of BA supplementation on isometric force production capacity in either fresh or fatigued skeletal muscle, b the confirmation of our previous findings Hannah et al.

These data are the first to comprehensively examine the effect of BA supplementation on voluntary and electrically evoked contractile properties of in-vivo fatigued human skeletal muscle. During both fresh and fatigued conditions, BA supplementation has no effect on voluntary isometric force production including maximal and explosive force variables.

Voluntary force peak data are consistent with the lack of change in electrically evoked peak force responses noted during twitch and octet contractions under both fresh and fatigued conditions. There were similar neural drive responses during both MVICs and explosive contractions pre- and post-supplementation in fresh and fatigued muscle.

The current findings in fresh muscle are in-line with the previous findings Hannah et al. The current research in fresh muscle is in line with the previous in-vivo research Hannah et al.

One potential limitation of both studies is that neither measured intracellular carnosine concentrations directly. That said there are many studies displaying increased muscle carnosine following BA supplementation, almost without exception, on an individual-by-individual basis Harris et al.

Thus, we are confident in assuming that a significant increase in muscle carnosine content would have occurred with the BA supplementation protocol implemented in the present study. The lack of an effect of BA on TPT and force production following increased carnosine concentrations is interesting.

Based on the previous in-vitro studies in chemically skinned muscle fibres from frogs Lamont and Miller , mechanically skinned rat muscle fibres Dutka and Lamb and type I and type II human skeletal muscle fibres Dutka et al. Furthermore, the current investigation reported no alteration to potentiated twitch contractions.

It might be that the differences between these in-vitro data where carnosine can be indirectly elevated to a consistent level and the data from the current study reflect differences in the magnitude of intramuscular carnosine elevation, which we, unfortunately, cannot confirm in the current study.

It is also important to note that in-vitro research is conducted outside the normal intracellular environment, and importantly, a number of protocols include the use of free magnesium, an inhibitor of skeletal muscle ryanodine receptors Laver et al.

Furthermore, during in-vitro studies solutions are added to control pH levels allowing examination of the direct effect of carnosine, although this is important, these investigations have yet to examine the influence of carnosine concentration and varying pH levels.

The current body of in-vivo research is completely separate from the in-vitro data, which might make it unrealistic to expect similar findings between research designs. Increasing muscle carnosine concentrations with 28 days of BA supplementation resulted in a shorter HRT relative to equivalent PLA times in fresh and fatigued skeletal muscle during both resting and potentiated twitch contractions.

These are in contrast with HRT in fresh and fatigued resting and potentiated twitch contractions following PLA supplementation. As such, the decline in skeletal muscle HRT following 28 days of BA supplementation shown in the current investigation may be associated with alterations to skeletal muscle cross-bridge kinetics.

As such, care needs to be taken over the interpretation of these findings. There could also be an indirect mechanism to explain the beneficial effects displayed within the current investigation in regards to muscle relaxation.

Although the mechanism for reducing skeletal muscle relaxation time following BA supplementation remains unclear, such an outcome might be beneficial to exercise performance, especially during short, repeated muscle contractions where muscle relaxation comprises an important proportion of total energy consumption Bergstrom and Hultman During concentric contractions, improvement of muscle recovery time has been shown to be critical to the amount of post-shortening force decrease Edman Reducing relaxation rates may improve muscle power output and exercise performance.

These findings are particularly important for activities where fast, repetitive contractions, and relaxations occur with no period of rest.

It would be of benefit to repeat these data in elite athletes where small changes to HRT might be advantageous. Equally we might speculate that benefits may occur in clinical populations such as Brody disease where SERCA1 activity is significantly reduced; Guglielmi et al.

Within the current investigation, isometric knee extensor fatigue hold times were not significantly influenced by BA or PLA supplementation, in direct contrast to our previous findings that showed a Blood lactate sampled from the finger 5 min post-exercise is indicative of the lower extremity lactate release Comeau et al.

To greater understand the relationship between skeletal muscle HRT, increased carnosine concentrations and muscle fatigue, further investigations implementing a dynamic fatiguing protocol are required, since contractile slowing i.

The current investigation showed that 28 days of BA supplementation enhanced muscle relaxation time in both fresh and fatigued skeletal muscle.

Whilst this finding is of interest, it remains unclear as to whether it would be sufficient to result in improved exercise performance, particularly in the absence of any changes to the force—frequency relationship, peak force production, or contraction time.

The mechanism for the ergogenic effect on muscle relaxation following increased carnosine content remains unclear. Ahlborg B, Bergstrom J, Ekelund LG et al Muscle metabolism during isometric exercise performed at constant force. J Appl Physiol CAS PubMed Google Scholar. Allen DG, Lannergren J, Westerblad H Muscle cell function during prolonged activity: Cellular mechanisms of fatigue.

Exp Physiol — Article CAS PubMed Google Scholar. Allen DG, Lamb GD, Westerblad H Skeletal muscle fatigue: Cellular mechanisms. Physiol Rev Baran EJ Metal complexes of carnosine. Biochem CAS Google Scholar. Batrukova MA, Rubtsov AM Histidine-containing dipeptides as endogenous regulators of the activity of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca-release channels.

Biochimica et Biophysica Acta Biomembranes Article CAS Google Scholar. Berchtold MW, Brinkmeier H, Müntener M Calcium ion in skeletal muscle: its crucial role for muscle function plasticity and disease. Bergström M, Hultman E Energy cost and fatigue during intermittent electrical stimulation of human skeletal muscle.

PubMed Google Scholar. Comeau MJ, Adams TM, Church JB, Graves MM, Lawson PM Prediction of lower extremity lactate levels in exercising muscle utilizing upper extremity sampling sites.

JEP Google Scholar. Decombaz J, Beaumont M, Vuichoud J, Bouisset F, Stellingwerff T Effect of slow-release beta-alanine tablets on absorption kinetics and paresthesia.

Amino Acids Dutka TL, Lamb GD Effect of carnosine on excitation-contraction coupling in mechanically-skinned rat skeletal muscle.

J Muscle Res Cell Motil Dux L Muscle relaxation and sarcoplasmic reticulum function in different muscle types. Rev Physiol Biochem Pharmacol Edman KA Mechanical deactivation induced by active shortening in isolated muscle fibres of the frog.

J Physiol Article CAS PubMed PubMed Central Google Scholar. Everaert I, Stegen S, Vanheel B, Taes Y, Derave W Effect of beta-alanine and carnosine supplementation on muscle contractility in mice.

Med Sci Sports Exerc Gillis JM Relaxation of vertebrate skeletal muscle: a synthesis of the biochemical and physiological approaches. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta - Reviews on Bioenergetics Guglielmi V, Voermans NC, Gualndi F et al Fourty-four years of brody disease: it is time to review.

Genetic Syndromes Gene Therapy To receive a sufficient amount to boost athletic performance, a person will likely require supplementation. Most of the food sources that contain beta-alanine are animal products.

This means people following a vegan or vegetarian diet will likely have significantly less beta-alanine and carnosine in their system and require supplementation to enhance athletic performance. Learn more about supplements suitable for those following plant-based diets here.

A study notes that more research is necessary to identify the most appropriate dosing strategy for beta-alanine supplementation. Some research suggests that 1.

Similarly, other sources suggest that a person may consider a loading phase of 3. Advice includes dividing beta-alanine into 3 or 4 even doses a day and consuming them with main meals to help enhance uptake and manage potential side effects better.

There are potential side effects associated with beta-alanine, especially if a person takes it in large doses, although they are not severe. These may include skin rashes and paresthesia , a tingling sensation on the skin.

Learn about the side effects of drugs and supplements here. People often combine beta-alanine with other supplements, especially creatine and sodium bicarbonate. Creatine can improve performance in high intensity exercise by increasing the availability of adenosine triphosphate ATP , a molecule that every cell in the body produces.

Research has found that combining beta-alanine and creatine can increase athletic performance. As such, many sports supplements may include both ingredients.

Research suggests that using sodium bicarbonate and beta-alanine together may add additional improvement to this buffering capacity.

Learn more about vitamins, minerals, and supplements in our dedicated hub. Beta-alanine is an amino acid that is a common ingredient in many sports supplement products. Some evidence suggests that it may help improve athletic performance and benefit overall health.

Supplementing beta-alanine can help increase the concentration of carnosine in muscles, which regulates acids that accumulate from exercise, helping an individual avoid fatigue. Research notes that the supplement is safe and effective in appropriate doses and is unlikely to cause any serious adverse effects.

While beta-alanine is present in protein sources such as meat, a person is unlikely to consume a sufficient amount from their diet to notice any benefit.

A person can also combine it with other supplements, such as creatine and sodium bicarbonate, to try and further enhance performance. There is evidence that some beneficial muscle-building supplements include protein, creatine, and caffeine.

Some people use legal steroids as a workout supplement to help build muscle. Not all legal steroids are safe or effective, however. Learn more here. L-arginine is an amino acid that helps the body build proteins. Learn about the benefits and side effects of L-arginine, along with how much to take.

What are some of the possible side effects of pre-workout? Read on to learn more about the risks, benefits, and how to reduce potential risks of…. Greens powders can be a convenient way to get one's daily nutrition needs met. Here are 5 vetted options for My podcast changed me Can 'biological race' explain disparities in health?

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Medical News Today. Health Conditions Health Products Discover Tools Connect. What does beta-alanine do? Medically reviewed by Grant Tinsley, Ph. Definition Function Benefits Sources Dosage Side effects Interaction with other supplements Summary Evidence suggests beta-alanine may have potential benefits, such as helping delay fatigue and improving athletic performance.

Function and uses. Possible benefits. Food sources.

Journal of Endurance fueling strategies International Btea-alanine of Healthy appetite suppressant Nutrition volume Beta-alanlneArticle number: musculag Cite this article. Ribose and digestive system health details. The Amd Society of Sports Nutrition ISSN provides Beta-alanihe objective and critical review of the Ribose and digestive system health and mmuscular of beta-alanine supplementation. Based on the current available literature, the conclusions of the ISSN are as follows: 1 Four weeks of beta-alanine supplementation 4—6 g daily significantly augments muscle carnosine concentrations, thereby acting as an intracellular pH buffer; 2 Beta-alanine supplementation currently appears to be safe in healthy populations at recommended doses; 3 The only reported side effect is paraesthesia tinglingbut studies indicate this can be attenuated by using divided lower doses 1. Beta-alanine is a non-proteogenic amino acid that is produced endogenously in the liver. The results of a new Beta-alanine and muscular fatigue, randomized Chromium browser settings study indicated that six muzcular per day anr beta-alanine increased the carnosine content fatigye muscles, and that this was related to reduce Beta-alanine and muscular fatigue in nuscular men and women. The study, which used the branded Carnosyn Beta-alanine and muscular fatigue ftaigue California-based Natural Alternatives International NAIincluded 26 men and women and randomly assigned them to receive either 6 grams per day of beta-alanine or placebo for four weeks. All the participants performed intensive exercise at the very start and end of the study period. Results showed that beta-alanine was associated with increases in muscle carnosine levels, compared to placebo, with no differences between men and women. In addition, beta-alanine attenuated exercise fatigue, compared to placebo. Varanoske, et al. Content provided by Enovate Biolife LLC Jan White Paper.

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