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

NCT07641907 | Active Not Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: CMUH114-REC3-170
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 16
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

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.

Conditions

Healthy; Athletes

Keywords

beta-alanine; wrestle; exercise performance

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Specific Wrestling Performance Test (SWPT)

  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 Outcomes (6)

• Reaction test

  Including for 4 days in both beta-alanine and placebo trials

• Grip strength test

  Including for 4 days in both beta-alanine and placebo trials

• The Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) Scale

  Including for 4 days in both beta-alanine and placebo trials

• Medicine Ball Chest Throw (MBCT) test

  Including for 4 days in both beta-alanine and placebo trials

• Overhead Medicine Ball Throw (OMBT) test

  Including for 4 days in both beta-alanine and placebo trials

Study Arms (2)

Placebo

PLACEBO COMPARATOR

Containing edible yellow No. 4, edible yellow No. 5, sucrose, silica, talc, oxidized starch, gelatin, magnesium stearate, and palm wax.

Other: Placebo (Placebo trial); Other: Beta-Alanine (Beta-Alanine trial)

Beta-Alanine

EXPERIMENTAL

Each capsule containing 800 mg of Beta-Alanine.

Other: Placebo (Placebo trial); Other: Beta-Alanine (Beta-Alanine trial)

Interventions

Beta-Alanine (Beta-Alanine trial) OTHER

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).

Beta-Alanine; Placebo

Placebo (Placebo trial) OTHER

The Placebo capsule supplement was taken for 4 weeks (6 capsules per day).

Beta-Alanine; Placebo

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 12 Years - 25 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Child (0-17), Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

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

You may not qualify if:

• 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.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• China Medical University Hospital: lead
• China Medical University, Taiwan: collaborator

Study Sites (1)

China Medical University

Taichung, Taiwan

Location

MeSH Terms

Interventions

beta-Alanine

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Alanine; Amino Acids; Amino Acids, Peptides, and Proteins

Study Officials

• Jung-Piao Tsao

  China Medical University, China

  STUDY CHAIR

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: QUADRUPLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT, CARE PROVIDER, INVESTIGATOR, OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: OTHER
• Intervention Model: CROSSOVER
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Model Details: This study plans to recruit 20 healthy male and female participants aged 12-25 years who have at least three years of wrestling training experience (training at least three times per week for a minimum of three years). All participants must be free from chronic diseases such as heart disease and hypertension, and must not have experienced any severe lower-extremity skeletal or muscular injuries within the past six months. Throughout the entire experimental period, participants will be required to maintain their normal lifestyle habits and refrain from consuming any other nutritional supplements, alcohol, or medications. Students currently taught or advised by the principal investigator or members of the research team, as well as individuals who have consulting or supervisory relationships with them, will be excluded from participation in this study.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: June 8, 2026
• First Posted: June 11, 2026
• Study Start: April 11, 2026
• Primary Completion: May 24, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): October 1, 2026
• Last Updated: June 11, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-06

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TW (1)