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

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

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.

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).

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.