Effects of Beta-Alanine Supplementation on Physical Performance in Aerobic-Anaerobic Transition Zones: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Álvaro Huerta Ojeda, Camila Tapia Cerda, María Fernanda Poblete Salvatierra, Guillermo Barahona-Fuentes, Carlos Jorquera Aguilera, Álvaro Huerta Ojeda, Camila Tapia Cerda, María Fernanda Poblete Salvatierra, Guillermo Barahona-Fuentes, Carlos Jorquera Aguilera

Abstract

Beta-alanine supplementation (BA) has a positive impact on physical performance. However, evidence showing a benefit of this amino acid in aerobic-anaerobic transition zones is scarce and the results controversial. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to analyze the effects of BA supplementation on physical performance in aerobic-anaerobic transition zones. At the same time, the effect of different dosages and durations of BA supplementation were identified. The search was designed in accordance with the PRISMA® guidelines for systematic reviews and meta-analyses and performed in Web of Science (WOS), Scopus, SPORTDiscus, PubMed, and MEDLINE between 2010 and 2020. The methodological quality and risk of bias were evaluated with the Cochrane Collaboration tool. The main variables were the Time Trial Test (TTT) and Time to Exhaustion (TTE) tests, the latter separated into the Limited Time Test (LTT) and Limited Distance Test (LDT). The analysis was carried out with a pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) through Hedges' g test (95% CI). Nineteen studies were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis, revealing a small effect for time in the TTT (SMD, -0.36; 95% CI, -0.87-0.16; I2 = 59%; p = 0.010), a small effect for LTT (SMD, 0.25; 95% CI, -0.01-0.51; I2 = 0%; p = 0.53), and a large effect for LDT (SMD, 4.27; 95% CI, -0.25-8.79; I2 = 94%; p = 0.00001). BA supplementation showed small effects on physical performance in aerobic-anaerobic transition zones. Evidence on acute supplementation is scarce (one study); therefore, exploration of acute supplementation with different dosages and formats on physical performance in aerobic-anaerobic transition zones is needed.

Keywords: aerobic–anaerobic transition zone; beta-alanine; ergogenic aid; physical performance.

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interests.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Standard error for Times Trial Test (a), Limited Time Test (b), and Limited Distance Test (c). SE: standard error; SMD: standardized median difference.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Risk of bias graph: review authors’ judgements about each risk of bias item presented as percentages across all included studies.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Risk of bias summary: review authors’ judgements about each risk of bias item for each included study.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Studies included in the systematic review and meta-analysis.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Forest plot comparing the effects of BA supplementation on Time Trial Tests. BA: beta-alanine; PL: placebo.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Forest plot comparing the effect of BA on Limited Time Test. BA: beta-alanine; PL: placebo.
Figure 7
Figure 7
Forest plot comparing the effect of BA on Limited Distance Test. BA: beta-alanine; PL: placebo.

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