Ergogenic Support and PerformanceCST-SPNCT07347509
Acute Effects of BCAA and L-Arginine on Performance in Elite Soccer Players
A study testing BCAA, L-Arginine and bcaa and l arginine in people with Ergogenic Support and Performance, run by Ataturk University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
his study aims to investigate the acute effects of a single pre-exercise dose of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) and L-arginine supplementation on anaerobic performance, sprint speed, agility, lactate response, and post-exercise heart rate recovery in male football players competing in a youth development league. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 19 to 19 years, men onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Ergogenic Support and Performance
- What is being tested?
- BCAA, L-Arginine and bcaa and l arginine
- Type of treatment
- Pill or oral medicine
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 21 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 10 Jan 2025to 15 Sep 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 19 to 19 years
- Men only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Male football players aged 19 years
- Actively competing in a youth development or amateur football league
- Minimum of 3 years of regular football training experience
- Training at least 4 days per week
- Free from musculoskeletal injury in the last 6 months
- No use of nutritional supplements (including BCAA or L-arginine) for at least 4 weeks prior to the study
- Voluntary participation with written informed consent
Who cannot join
- Presence of any cardiovascular, metabolic, neurological, or chronic disease
- Use of medications or supplements that may affect performance outcomes
- History of surgery within the last 6 months
- Known allergy or intolerance to BCAA or L-arginine
- Smoking or alcohol abuse
- Failure to comply with study protocol
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: An Investigation of the Acute Effects of BCAA, L-Arginine, and Placebo Supplementation on Anaerobic Performance, Speed, Agility, and Recovery in Elite Soccer Players
his study aims to investigate the acute effects of a single pre-exercise dose of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) and L-arginine supplementation on anaerobic performance, sprint speed, agility, lactate response, and post-exercise heart rate recovery in male football players competing in a youth development league.
Twenty-one football players participating in the T.F.F. U-19 Development League will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: BCAA (n = 7), L-arginine (n = 7), or placebo (n = 7). Participants will receive either 12 g of BCAA (4:1:1), 5 g of L-arginine, or an equivalent amount of maltodextrin, administered 1.5 hours before training.
Read more
Performance assessments will include 10 m and 20 m sprint tests, an agility test, the Wingate anaerobic power test, blood lactate measurements, and post-exercise heart rate recovery measurements taken at the 1st, 3rd, and 5th minutes of recovery.
Data will be analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance to examine within- and between-group differences.Data obtained from the study were analyzed using the JASP 0.95.4 software. Pre-test and post-test values of the experimental and control groups were evaluated using Repeated Measures ANOVA. Effect size was determined using Eta Squared (η²), and differences between groups were identified using Tukey post hoc analysis. A 95% confidence interval was applied, and statistical significance was accepted at p < 0.05.
In the BCAA group, 20 m sprint performance (p < 0.05) and agility test results (p < 0.05) improved significantly compared to the control group. Additionally, heart rate recovery at the 3rd and 5th minutes was significantly faster in the BCAA group compared to both the L-arginine and placebo groups (p < 0.05). In the L-arginine group, no significant improvements were observed in sprint performance, agility, lactate response, or Wingate parameters compared to placebo. No significant differences were found between groups in lactate response or anaerobic power variables (peak, mean, and minimum power, and fatigue index) (p > 0.05).
A single dose of BCAA supplementation improves short-distance sprint performance, agility, and heart rate recovery in football players; however, it does not have a significant effect on anaerobic power or lactate response. Acute L-arginine supplementation did not produce a significant ergogenic effect on these parameters. The findings suggest that amino acid supplementation may produce more pronounced effects with chronic rather than acute application
Read the detailed description
This study is designed as a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled experimental trial to examine the acute effects of branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) and L-arginine supplementation on selected performance and physiological parameters in elite youth male football players.
A total of 21 male football players competing in the Turkish Football Federation (T.F.F.) U-19 Development League will be recruited for the study. Participants will be randomly allocated into three groups: BCAA supplementation group (n = 7), L-arginine supplementation group (n = 7), and placebo group (n = 7). Randomization will be performed using a computer-generated random allocation sequence. Both participants and investigators will be blinded to group assignments throughout the study.
Participants in the BCAA group will receive a single oral dose of 12 g BCAA in a 4:1:1 ratio, while the L-arginine group will receive 5 g of L-arginine. The placebo group will receive an equivalent amount of maltodextrin. All supplements will be administered 1.5 hours prior to the training session under standardized conditions.
Following supplementation, participants will complete a standardized warm-up protocol before undergoing performance assessments. Performance measures will include 10 m and 20 m sprint tests to assess sprint speed, an agility test to evaluate change-of-direction ability, and the Wingate anaerobic power test to assess anaerobic performance parameters. Blood lactate concentrations will be measured at specified time points, and heart rate recovery will be recorded at the 1st, 3rd, and 5th minutes following exercise.
All testing procedures will be conducted under similar environmental and training conditions to minimize external variability. Data collected from the assessments will be used to examine acute physiological and performance responses to the supplementation protocols using appropriate statistical methods.
- Conditions
- Ergogenic Support and Performance
- Being tested
- BCAA, L-Arginine, bcaa and l arginine
- Keywords
- Football, BCAA, L-Arginine, Performance
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
BCAACombination product
A single acute oral dose of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) administered prior to the anaerobic performance, speed, agility, and recovery tests.
L-ArginineDietary supplement
A single acute oral dose of L-arginine administered prior to testing.
bcaa and l arginineDietary supplement
A placebo supplement administered prior to testing.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| BCAA Supplementation Group | Experimental | Participants received a single acute oral dose of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) prior to the anaerobic performance, speed, agility, and recovery tests. Receives: Combination Product: BCAA |
| L-Arginine Supplementation Group | Experimental | Participants received a single acute oral dose of L-arginine prior to the anaerobic performance, speed, agility, and recovery tests. Receives: Dietary Supplement: L-Arginine |
| MIX Supplementation Group | Experimental | Participants received a placebo supplement prior to the anaerobic performance, speed, agility, and recovery tests. Receives: Dietary Supplement: bcaa and l arginine |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Anaerobic Performance
Anaerobic performance assessed using the Wingate Anaerobic Test.
Measured: Immediately after acute supplementation
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted16 Jan 2026
- Study start10 Jan 2025
- Primary completion12 Jun 2025
- Study completion15 Sep 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Ergogenic Support and PerformanceStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Ataturk UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Basic science
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Participant
- Enrolment
- 21 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Ataturk University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Gökhan Atasever, Ataturk University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07347509
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- CST-SOCCER-2024
- Other IDs
- ID SBA-2025-15316
- Acronym
- CST-SP
- Status last verified
- Jan 2026
- First submitted
- 30 Dec 2025
- Last updated
- 16 Jan 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 16 Jan 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- An Investigation of the Acute Effects of BCAA, L-Arginine, and Placebo Supplementation on Anaerobic Performance, Speed, Agility, and Recovery in Elite Soccer Players
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07347509
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- CST-SP / CST-SOCCER-2024
- Conditions
- Ergogenic Support and Performance
- Keywords
- Football, BCAA, L-Arginine, Performance
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 21 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Ataturk UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 10 Jan 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 12 Jun 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 15 Sep 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 16 Jan 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
his study aims to investigate the acute effects of a single pre-exercise dose of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) and L-arginine supplementation on anaerobic performance, sprint speed, agility, lactate response, and post-exercise heart rate recovery in male football players competing in a youth development league.
Twenty-one football players participating in the T.F.F. U-19 Development League will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: BCAA (n = 7), L-arginine (n = 7), or placebo (n = 7). Participants will receive either 12 g of BCAA (4:1:1), 5 g of L-arginine, or an equivalent amount of maltodextrin, administered 1.5 hours before training.
Performance assessments will include 10 m and 20 m sprint tests, an agility test, the Wingate anaerobic power test, blood lactate measurements, and post-exercise heart rate recovery measurements taken at the 1st, 3rd, and 5th minutes of recovery.
Data will be analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance to examine within- and between-group differences.Data obtained from the study were analyzed using the JASP 0.95.4 software. Pre-test and post-test values of the experimental and control groups were evaluated using Repeated Measures ANOVA. Effect size was determined using Eta Squared (η²), and differences between groups were identified using Tukey post hoc analysis. A 95% confidence interval was applied, and statistical significance was accepted at p < 0.05.
In the BCAA group, 20 m sprint performance (p < 0.05) and agility test results (p < 0.05) improved significantly compared to the control group. Additionally, heart rate recovery at the 3rd and 5th minutes was significantly faster in the BCAA group compared to both the L-arginine and placebo groups (p < 0.05). In the L-arginine group, no significant improvements were observed in sprint performance, agility, lactate response, or Wingate parameters compared to placebo. No significant differences were found between groups in lactate response or anaerobic power variables (peak, mean, and minimum power, and fatigue index) (p > 0.05).
A single dose of BCAA supplementation improves short-distance sprint performance, agility, and heart rate recovery in football players; however, it does not have a significant effect on anaerobic power or lactate response. Acute L-arginine supplementation did not produce a significant ergogenic effect on these parameters. The findings suggest that amino acid supplementation may produce more pronounced effects with chronic rather than acute application
Detailed description
This study is designed as a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled experimental trial to examine the acute effects of branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) and L-arginine supplementation on selected performance and physiological parameters in elite youth male football players.
A total of 21 male football players competing in the Turkish Football Federation (T.F.F.) U-19 Development League will be recruited for the study. Participants will be randomly allocated into three groups: BCAA supplementation group (n = 7), L-arginine supplementation group (n = 7), and placebo group (n = 7). Randomization will be performed using a computer-generated random allocation sequence. Both participants and investigators will be blinded to group assignments throughout the study.
Participants in the BCAA group will receive a single oral dose of 12 g BCAA in a 4:1:1 ratio, while the L-arginine group will receive 5 g of L-arginine. The placebo group will receive an equivalent amount of maltodextrin. All supplements will be administered 1.5 hours prior to the training session under standardized conditions.
Following supplementation, participants will complete a standardized warm-up protocol before undergoing performance assessments. Performance measures will include 10 m and 20 m sprint tests to assess sprint speed, an agility test to evaluate change-of-direction ability, and the Wingate anaerobic power test to assess anaerobic performance parameters. Blood lactate concentrations will be measured at specified time points, and heart rate recovery will be recorded at the 1st, 3rd, and 5th minutes following exercise.
All testing procedures will be conducted under similar environmental and training conditions to minimize external variability. Data collected from the assessments will be used to examine acute physiological and performance responses to the supplementation protocols using appropriate statistical methods.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Basic science
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- Single blind (participant)
- Number of arms
- 3
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| BCAA Supplementation Group | Experimental | Combination Product: BCAAParticipants received a single acute oral dose of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) prior to the anaerobic performance, speed, agility, and recovery tests. |
| L-Arginine Supplementation Group | Experimental | Dietary Supplement: L-ArginineParticipants received a single acute oral dose of L-arginine prior to the anaerobic performance, speed, agility, and recovery tests. |
| MIX Supplementation Group | Experimental | Dietary Supplement: bcaa and l arginineParticipants received a placebo supplement prior to the anaerobic performance, speed, agility, and recovery tests. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 19 to 19 years
- Sex
- Male only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (7 listed)
- Male football players aged 19 years
- Actively competing in a youth development or amateur football league
- Minimum of 3 years of regular football training experience
- Training at least 4 days per week
- Free from musculoskeletal injury in the last 6 months
Key exclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Presence of any cardiovascular, metabolic, neurological, or chronic disease
- Use of medications or supplements that may affect performance outcomes
- History of surgery within the last 6 months
- Known allergy or intolerance to BCAA or L-arginine
- Smoking or alcohol abuse
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| BCAAA single acute oral dose of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) administered prior to the anaerobic performance, speed, agility, and recovery tests. | Combination product | BCAA Supplementation Group |
| L-ArginineA single acute oral dose of L-arginine administered prior to testing. | Dietary supplement | L-Arginine Supplementation Group |
| bcaa and l arginineA placebo supplement administered prior to testing. | Dietary supplement | MIX Supplementation Group |
Primary outcome
Anaerobic Performance
Time frame: Immediately after acute supplementation
Anaerobic performance assessed using the Wingate Anaerobic Test.
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 16 Jan 2026.
Related trials for Ergogenic Support and Performance
Recruiting
Effects of Single Sodium Bicarbonate Supplementation on National-Level Finswimming Performance
Sport Performance, Acid Base Imbalance
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing BCAA, L-Arginine and bcaa and l arginine in people with Ergogenic Support and Performance, run by Ataturk University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 7 inclusion and 6 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 16 Jan 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Anaerobic Performance (time frame: Immediately after acute supplementation). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 16 Jan 2026; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 7 Nov 2026.