Effects of Combined Versus Single Supplementation of Creatine, Beta-Alanine, and L-Citrulline During Short Sprint Interval Training on Basketball Players' Performance: A Double-Blind Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to determine whether beta-alanine (BA), alone or combined with other supplements, improves physical and physiological performance in basketball players undergoing short sprint interval training.
Results Summary
The study found that BA supplementation significantly improved physical and physiological performance compared to placebo, with greater enhancements observed in supplement groups than in the placebo group. However, differences in performance outcomes were noted among the supplement groups, suggesting variability in efficacy.
Population
Forty-eight basketball players (8 per group), likely young and athletic, though exact demographics are not specified.
Effective Dosage
4.8 g of beta-alanine daily.
Duration
28 days (4 weeks).
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
creatine (Cr) supplementation during short sprint interval training (SSIT) | increase | physical and physiological performance | basketball players | - | showed significant improvements | #1 |
beta-alanine (BA) supplementation during short sprint interval training (SSIT) | increase | physical and physiological performance | basketball players | - | showed significant improvements | #2 |
L-citrulline (L-Cit) supplementation during short sprint interval training (SSIT) | increase | physical and physiological performance | basketball players | - | showed significant improvements | #3 |
combined supplementation (Cr, BA, L-Cit) during short sprint interval training (SSIT) | increase | physical and physiological performance | basketball players | - | showed significant improvements | #4 |
placebo (PL) during short sprint interval training (SSIT) | increase | physical and physiological performance | basketball players | - | showed significant improvements | #5 |
supplement groups (Cr, BA, L-Cit, combined) | increase | performance adaptations | basketball players | - | displayed significantly greater changes | #6 |
supplement groups (Cr, BA, L-Cit, combined) | increase | performance variables | basketball players | - | displayed significantly greater changes | #7 |
short-term supplementation with Cr, BA, and L-Cit, as well as a combination of them during SSIT | increase | physical and physiological performance | basketball players | - | can significantly improve | #8 |
PURPOSE: Athletes often use sport supplements to improve their physical and physiological performance. This randomized, double-blind, placebo (PL) -controlled study aimed to investigate the effects of combined versus single supplementation of creatine (Cr), beta-alanine (BA), and L-citrulline (L-Cit) during short sprint interval training (SSIT) on basketball players' physical and physiological performance over a period of 28 days. METHODS: Forty-eight basketball players were equally assigned to 6 groups of Cr (0.1 g/kg of Cr monohydrate daily), BA (4.8 g daily), L-Cit (6 g daily), combined supplementation, PL, and an active control group, and each group consisted of 8 participants. The training groups participated in SSIT (3 sets of 10 repetitions of 5-s all-out runs) sessions 3 times a week for 4 weeks. Physical (vertical jump, 20-m sprint, Illinois change of direction) and physiological (Wingate anaerobic power and cardiorespiratory fitness test) performance were evaluated before and after the training period. RESULTS: All training groups (Cr, BA, L-Cit, combined, and PL) showed significant improvements in physical and physiological performance over the 4-week intervention (P < .05). Interestingly, the supplement groups displayed significantly (P = .001) greater changes than the PL group, indicating better outcomes in performance adaptations. However, significant differences in performance variables were observed among the supplement groups. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that short-term supplementation with Cr, BA, and L-Cit, as well as a combination of them during SSIT, can significantly improve the physical and physiological performance of basketball players compared to a PL.