Effects of Combined Versus Isolated Beta-Alanine and Sodium Bicarbonate Supplementation on Physical Capacity in Highly Trained Female Basketball Players: A Randomized Controlled Trial

PURPOSE: To examine the effects of combined versus isolated beta-alanine (BA) and sodium bicarbonate (SB) supplementation on physical capacity in highly trained female basketball players. METHODS: Sixty-eight athletes aged 21.4 (4.2) years participated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo (PL)-controlled parallel trial. Participants were assigned to one of four treatments: BA+SB, BA+PLSB, PLBA+SB, or PLBA+PLSB. They received BA or PLBA (6.4 g·d-1) for 28 days. In the final 7 days, SB or PLSB (0.3 g·kg-1·d-1) was added to the ongoing supplementation. Exercise tests included countermovement jump (CMJ), Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT), and incremental cycling test. The tests were performed in the following order: CMJ1, WAnT1, incremental cycling test, WAnT2, and CMJ2. Heart rate, ratings of perceived exertion, body mass, and composition were also assessed. Data were analyzed with repeated-measures analysis of variance. RESULTS: BA+SB and PLBA+SB supplementation increased peak power during WAnT1 compared to presupplementation (both P < .001; large effect). Additionally, mean heart rate was lower in BA+SB during incremental cycling test at postsupplementation compared to PLBA+SB (P = .04; large effect). BA+PLSB did not influence any physical capacity outcomes. Moreover, no changes in ratings of perceived exertion, body mass, and composition were observed. CONCLUSIONS: BA+SB and PLBA+SB supplementation enhanced peak power in WAnT1 without compromising subsequent physical capacity indices. BA+SB potentially reduced cardiovascular strain during submaximal exercise. In contrast, BA+PLSB did not confer any ergogenic benefits. These findings suggest that SB-containing protocols may improve high-intensity capabilities in highly trained female basketball players.