An Initial Investigation Into the Effects of β-Alanine on Performance and Physiological Responses During Simulated Wrestling Matches

June 8, 2026 updated by: China Medical University Hospital
This research aims to investigate the effects of beta-alanine (BA) supplementation on simulated 2-day freestyle wrestling performance, as well as on exercise-induced muscle fatigue and oxidative stress in wrestlers. In addition to the common issue of long-term insufficient energy intake due to weight control, high-intensity training can further exacerbate exercise-induced oxidative stress and muscle fatigue, thereby impairing athletic performance. Therefore, finding effective ergogenic aids to reduce these negative physiological responses is crucial for optimizing athletes' competitive condition. Based on a literature review, this study will implement the Specific Wrestling Performance Test (SWPT) to simulate two consecutive days of freestyle wrestling competitions according to Kraemer's model. Multiple performance assessments will be used to evaluate the impact of BA supplementation on athletes' physiological indicators and performance. It is expected that BA supplementation will enhance systemic antioxidant capacity, reduce muscle fatigue and oxidative stress induced by simulated wrestling matches, and improve wrestling-specific physical performance.

Study Overview

Status

Status

Indicates the current recruitment status or the expanded access status.
Active, not recruiting

Conditions

Conditions

The disease, disorder, syndrome, illness, or injury that is being studied. On ClinicalTrials.gov, conditions may also include other health-related issues, such as lifespan, quality of life, and health risks.

Intervention / Treatment

Intervention / Treatment

A process or action that is the focus of a clinical study. Interventions include drugs, medical devices, procedures, vaccines, and other products that are either investigational or already available. Interventions can also include noninvasive approaches, such as education or modifying diet and exercise.

Detailed Description

This experiment will employ the Specific Wrestling Performance Test (SWPT) to conduct the two-day simulated freestyle wrestling competition protocol developed by Kraemer (Kraemer et al., 2001), in order to evaluate the physiological responses of athletes during competition. A total of 20 wrestlers will participate in this study using a randomized single-blind crossover design. Participants will receive either beta-alanine (BA) supplementation or a placebo for four weeks (4.8 g/day), followed by a four-week washout period. On the official testing day, body composition measurements and records will be taken 12 hours before the first SWPT session. After the measurements, participants will be provided with a 300 kcal light meal. Following the completion of the third SWPT session, participants will perform approximately 20-30 minutes of cycling exercise to help maintain body weight for the following morning. Two hours before the fourth SWPT session, body weight will be measured again to ensure that weight variation does not exceed 2%, after which another 300 kcal light meal will be provided. The simulated two-day freestyle wrestling competition protocol will consist of five SWPT sessions: on Day 1, SWPT sessions will be conducted at 10:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 6:00 PM; on Day 2, sessions will take place at 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM. In this crossover trial, all pre-competition assessments will be conducted before the matches. Pre-test assessments must be completed 10 minutes before the start of the first SWPT session, while post-test assessments will be conducted immediately after each SWPT session. The assessment items include the number of throws completed during the simulated SWPT match, reaction tests, grip strength tests, back strength tests, and sport-specific fitness tests. In addition, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), heart rate, and blood samples will be recorded and collected. The sport-specific fitness tests include the Overhead Medicine Ball Throw (OMBT) and the Medicine Ball Chest Throw (MBCT).

Study Type

Study Type

Describes the nature of a clinical study. Study types include interventional studies (also called clinical trials), observational studies (including patient registries), and expanded access.
Interventional

Enrollment (Actual)

Enrollment

The number of participants in a clinical study. The "anticipated" enrollment is the target number of participants that the researchers need for the study.
16

Phase

Phase

The stage of a clinical trial studying a drug or biological product, based on definitions developed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The phase is based on the study's objective, the number of participants, and other characteristics. There are five phases: Early Phase 1 (formerly listed as Phase 0), Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, and Phase 4. Not Applicable is used to describe trials without FDA-defined phases, including trials of devices or behavioral interventions.
  • Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Locations

  • Taiwan
      • Taichung, Taiwan
        • China Medical University

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

The key requirements that people who want to participate in a clinical study must meet or the characteristics they must have. Eligibility criteria consist of both inclusion criteria (which are required for a person to participate in the study) and exclusion criteria (which prevent a person from participating). Types of eligibility criteria include whether a study accepts healthy volunteers, has age or age group requirements, or is limited by sex.

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Child
  • Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Wrestle athletes aged 12 to 25 years with at least 3 years of wrestle training experience.

Exclusion Criteria:

  • All participants must be free from chronic conditions such as heart disease and hypertension, and must not have experienced any serious lower limb musculoskeletal injuries within the past six months.

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

  • Primary Purpose: Other
  • Allocation: Randomized
  • Interventional Model: Crossover Assignment
  • Masking: Quadruple

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm

Participant Group / Arm

A group or subgroup of participants in a clinical trial that receives a specific intervention/treatment, or no intervention, according to the trial's protocol.
Intervention / Treatment

Intervention / Treatment

A process or action that is the focus of a clinical study. Interventions include drugs, medical devices, procedures, vaccines, and other products that are either investigational or already available. Interventions can also include noninvasive approaches, such as education or modifying diet and exercise.
Placebo Comparator: Placebo
Containing edible yellow No. 4, edible yellow No. 5, sucrose, silica, talc, oxidized starch, gelatin, magnesium stearate, and palm wax.
Other: Placebo (Placebo trial)
The Placebo capsule supplement was taken for 4 weeks (6 capsules per day).
Other: Beta-Alanine (Beta-Alanine trial)
The Beta-Alanine capsule supplement was taken for 4 weeks, with a daily dosage of 4.8 g of Beta-Alanine (equivalent to 6 capsules per day, each containing 800 mg of Beta-Alanine).
Experimental: Beta-Alanine
Each capsule containing 800 mg of Beta-Alanine.
Other: Placebo (Placebo trial)
The Placebo capsule supplement was taken for 4 weeks (6 capsules per day).
Other: Beta-Alanine (Beta-Alanine trial)
The Beta-Alanine capsule supplement was taken for 4 weeks, with a daily dosage of 4.8 g of Beta-Alanine (equivalent to 6 capsules per day, each containing 800 mg of Beta-Alanine).

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Primary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, the planned outcome measure that is the most important for evaluating the effect of an intervention/treatment. Most clinical studies have one primary outcome measure, but some have more than one.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Specific Wrestling Performance Test (SWPT)
Time Frame: Including for 4 days in both beta-alanine and placebo trials
The test consists of two rounds with identical procedures. Each round lasts for 3 minutes, with a 30-second rest interval between rounds. During the first minute, participants perform one throw every 10 seconds for a total of 3 throws. This is followed by maximal repeated throws performed between 30 and 50 seconds, and then a rest period from 50 to 60 seconds. The second minute follows the same procedure as the first minute. In the third minute, participants again perform one throw every 10 seconds for a total of 3 throws, followed by 30 seconds of maximal repeated throws, during which the total number of throws is recorded. According to the experimental design of Marković, the dummy weight is adjusted based on the athlete's body weight: participants weighing less than 75 kg throw a 22 kg dummy, those weighing between 75-90 kg throw a 27 kg dummy, and those weighing more than 90 kg throw a 32 kg dummy (Marković et al., 2022).
Including for 4 days in both beta-alanine and placebo trials

Secondary Outcome Measures

Secondary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, a planned outcome measure that is not as important as the primary outcome measure for evaluating the effect of an intervention but is still of interest. Most clinical studies have more than one secondary outcome measure.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Reaction test
Time Frame: Including for 4 days in both beta-alanine and placebo trials
Reaction time is a key factor influencing wrestling performance, as shorter reaction times enable athletes to execute more effective technical and tactical actions. In this study, the BlazePod reaction light system will be used to conduct the reaction test. After hearing the command "Ready," participants will assume a position with both hands and knees on the ground. Once the light is activated, participants must stand up as quickly as possible and tap the reaction light. The time interval between the "Ready" command and the light activation will vary randomly in order to prevent participants from anticipating the timing of the stimulus. The test will be performed three times with a 1-minute rest interval between trials, and the best performance result will be recorded.
Including for 4 days in both beta-alanine and placebo trials
Grip strength test
Time Frame: Including for 4 days in both beta-alanine and placebo trials
Grip strength will be assessed using an electronic handgrip dynamometer. Participants will stand in a natural upright position with their arms hanging naturally at their sides. The elbows and wrists will be maintained at 0° extension, and the grip width will be adjusted to fit the position of the second finger joint. During the test, participants will be instructed to squeeze the dynamometer handle as forcefully as possible for 5 seconds. Grip strength measurements will be performed three times for each hand, with a 1-minute rest interval between trials. The highest value obtained will be recorded as the test result.
Including for 4 days in both beta-alanine and placebo trials
The Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) Scale
Time Frame: Including for 4 days in both beta-alanine and placebo trials
The Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion Scale measures how hard exercise feels. Participants rate effort from 6 (no exertion) to 20 (maximal exertion). A higher score means greater effort (worse fatigue).
Including for 4 days in both beta-alanine and placebo trials
Medicine Ball Chest Throw (MBCT) test
Time Frame: Including for 4 days in both beta-alanine and placebo trials
The sport-specific wrestling fitness test protocol developed by Dehnou in 2020 will be used in this study. Participants will sit on a chair with their feet shoulder-width apart and firmly placed on the floor, with the toes aligned with the starting line. The knees will be maintained at a 90° flexion angle while the upper body remains upright. Participants will hold a 5 kg medicine ball in front of the chest with both hands. During the test, participants will forcefully push the ball forward using a chest-pass motion similar to a basketball chest pass. Throughout the movement, the ischial tuberosities must remain in contact with the seat, and trunk rotation is not permitted. The throwing distance will be measured and recorded. The test will be performed three times with a 1-minute rest interval between trials, and the greatest distance achieved will be recorded as the final result.
Including for 4 days in both beta-alanine and placebo trials
Overhead Medicine Ball Throw (OMBT) test
Time Frame: Including for 4 days in both beta-alanine and placebo trials
The sport-specific wrestling fitness test protocol developed by Dehnou in 2020 will be adopted in this study. Participants will stand with their feet shoulder-width apart and their heels aligned with the starting line, while holding a 5 kg medicine ball naturally in front of the body with both hands. Participants will then squat down until the medicine ball reaches knee level, after which they will rapidly extend the body and forcefully throw the ball backward over the head. The throwing distance will be measured and recorded. The test will be performed three times with a 1-minute rest interval between trials, and the greatest distance achieved will be recorded as the final result.
Including for 4 days in both beta-alanine and placebo trials
Back strength test
Time Frame: Including for 4 days in both beta-alanine and placebo trials
Back strength will be measured using a back strength dynamometer. Participants will stand on the testing platform while gripping the handle with both hands using an overhand grip. The knees will remain fully extended, and the upper body will lean forward at approximately 30°. The length of the chain attached to the handle may be adjusted according to each participant's body size to ensure an appropriate testing position. During the test, participants will pull the handle upward with maximal effort using the strength of the back and upper body muscles, while avoiding excessive use of the arms and legs. The dynamometer pointer will display the measured back strength value. The test will be performed three times with a 1-minute rest interval between trials, and the highest value obtained will be recorded.
Including for 4 days in both beta-alanine and placebo trials

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Sponsor

The organization or person who initiates the study and who has authority and control over the study.
China Medical University Hospital

Collaborators

Collaborators

An organization other than the sponsor that provides support for a clinical study. This support may include activities related to funding, design, implementation, data analysis, or reporting.
China Medical University, Taiwan

Investigators

Investigators

A researcher involved in a clinical study. Related terms include site principal investigator, site sub-investigator, study chair, study director, and study principal investigator.
  • Study Chair: Jung-Piao Tsao, China Medical University, China

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Actual)

Study Start

The actual date on which the first participant was enrolled in a clinical study. The "anticipated" study start date is the date that the researchers think will be the study start date.
April 11, 2026

Primary Completion (Actual)

Primary Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention to collect final data for the primary outcome measure. Whether the clinical study ended according to the protocol or was terminated does not affect this date. For clinical studies with more than one primary outcome measure with different completion dates, this term refers to the date on which data collection is completed for all the primary outcome measures. The "anticipated" primary completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the primary completion date for the study.
May 24, 2026

Study Completion (Estimated)

Study Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention/treatment to collect final data for the primary outcome measures, secondary outcome measures, and adverse events (that is, the last participant's last visit). The "anticipated" study completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the study completion date.
October 1, 2026

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

First Submitted

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submitted a study record to ClinicalTrials.gov. There is typically a delay of a few days between the first submitted date and the record's availability on ClinicalTrials.gov (the first posted date).
June 8, 2026

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submits a study record that is consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. The sponsor or investigator may need to revise and submit a study record one or more times before NLM's QC review criteria are met. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
June 8, 2026

First Posted (Actual)

First Posted

The date on which the study record was first available on ClinicalTrials.gov after National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review has concluded. There is typically a delay of a few days between the date the study sponsor or investigator submitted the study record and the first posted date.
June 11, 2026

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

Last Update Posted

The most recent date on which changes to a study record were made available on ClinicalTrials.gov. There may be a delay between when the changes were submitted to ClinicalTrials.gov by the study's sponsor or investigator (the last update submitted date) and the last update posted date.
June 11, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator submitted changes to a study record that are consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
June 8, 2026

Last Verified

Last Verified

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator confirmed the information about a clinical study on ClinicalTrials.gov as accurate and current. If a study with a recruitment status of recruiting; not yet recruiting; or active, not recruiting has not been confirmed within the past 2 years, the study's recruitment status is shown as unknown.
June 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Keywords

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

Other Study ID Numbers

Identifiers or ID numbers other than the NCT number that are assigned to a clinical study by the study's sponsor, funders, or others. These numbers may include unique identifiers from other trial registries and National Institutes of Health grant numbers.
  • CMUH114-REC3-170

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

NO

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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