Authors

J. R. Hoffman; G. Landau; J. R. Stout; M. Dabora; D. S. Moran; N. Sharvit; M. W. Hoffman; Y. Ben Moshe; W. P. McCormack; G. Hirschhorn;I. Ostfeld

Comments

Authors: contact us about adding a copy of your work at [email protected]

Abbreviated Journal Title

J. Int. Soc. Sport Nutr.

Keywords

Military performance; Marksmanship; Power; Physical performance; Supplements; MUSCLE CARNOSINE; NEUROMUSCULAR FATIGUE; EXERCISE PERFORMANCE; FOOTBALL; PLAYERS; BODY-COMPOSITION; SLEEP LOSS; CAFFEINE; MOOD; THRESHOLD; ENDURANCE; Nutrition & Dietetics; Sport Sciences

Abstract

Background: There are no known studies that have examined beta-alanine supplementation in military personnel. Considering the physiological and potential neurological effects that have been reported during sustained military operations, it appears that beta-alanine supplementation may have a potential benefit in maintaining physical and cognitive performance during high-intensity military activity under stressful conditions. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of 28 days of beta-alanine ingestion in military personnel while fatigued on physical and cognitive performance. Methods: Twenty soldiers (20.1 +/- 0.9 years) from an elite combat unit were randomly assigned to either a beta-alanine ( BA) or placebo (PL) group. Soldiers were involved in advanced military training, including combat skill development, navigational training, self-defense/hand-to-hand combat and conditioning. All participants performed a 4-km run, 5-countermovement jumps using a linear position transducer, 120-m sprint, a 10-shot shooting protocol with assault rifle, including overcoming a misfire, and a 2-min serial subtraction test to assess cognitive function before (Pre) and after ( Post) 28 days of supplementation. Results: The training routine resulted in significant increases in 4-km run time for both groups, but no between group differences were seen (p = 0.597). Peak jump power at Post was greater for BA than PL (p = 0.034), while mean jump power for BA at Post was 10.2% greater (p = 0.139) than PL. BA had a significantly greater (p = 0.012) number of shots on target at Post (8.2 +/- 1.0) than PL (6.5 +/- 2.1), and their target engagement speed at Post was also significantly faster (p = 0.039). No difference in serial subtraction performance was seen between the groups (p = 0.844). Conclusion: Results of this study indicate that 4-weeks of beta-alanine ingestion in young, healthy soldiers did not impact cognitive performance, but did enhance power performance, marksmanship and target engagement speed from pre-ingestion levels.

Journal Title

Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition

Volume

11

Publication Date

1-1-2014

Document Type

Article

Language

English

First Page

8

WOS Identifier

WOS:000334716700001

ISSN

1550-2783

Download

Share

COinS
 

Accessibility Statement

This item was created or digitized prior to April 24, 2027, or is a reproduction of legacy media created before that date. It is preserved in its original, unmodified state specifically for research, reference, or historical recordkeeping. In accordance with the ADA Title II Final Rule, the University Libraries provides accessible versions of archival materials upon request. To request an accommodation for this item, please submit an accessibility request form.