Beta Alanine SupplementationBA_RUGBYNCT07809321
Beta-Alanine Effects on Neuromuscular and Cardiovascular Performance in Female Rugby Players
A study testing Beta-Alanine in people with Beta Alanine Supplementation and Placebo - Control, run by Universidad Pontificia Comillas at 1 site in Spain.
Trial summary
This study will examine the effects of beta-alanine supplementation on physical performance in female rugby players, who will ingest 4.8 grams/day over a four-week period. The research will evaluate both cardiovascular and neuromuscular outcomes, with cardiovascular performance assessed using the Bronco Test (a… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 40 years, women onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Beta Alanine Supplementation, Placebo - Control
- What is being tested?
- Beta-Alanine
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 30 participants
- Where
- 1 siteSpain
- Study dates
- 1 Sep 2026to 15 Nov 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
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 18 to 40 years
- Women only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Rugby participants with at least three years of professional experience.
Who cannot join
- Suffering from any chronic pathology or an injury in the month prior to the investigation.
- Intolerance to beta-alanine supplementation
- Participants aged outside the range of 18 to 40 years.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
About this study
Official title: Influence of Beta-Alanine Supplementation on Neuromuscular and Cardiovascular Performance in Female Rugby Players
This study will examine the effects of beta-alanine supplementation on physical performance in female rugby players, who will ingest 4.8 grams/day over a four-week period. The research will evaluate both cardiovascular and neuromuscular outcomes, with cardiovascular performance assessed using the Bronco Test (a field-based measure of endurance and repeated high-intensity running ability) and neuromuscular performance (e.g.vertical jump capacity).
Read the detailed description
This study will examine the effects of beta-alanine supplementation on physical performance in female rugby players, who will ingest 4.8 grams/day over a four-week period. Beta-alanine is a dietary supplement known to increase muscle carnosine levels, which may enhance buffering capacity and delay fatigue during high-intensity exercise. The research will evaluate both cardiovascular and neuromuscular outcomes, providing a comprehensive assessment of performance adaptations relevant to rugby. Cardiovascular performance will be assessed using the Bronco Test, a validated field-based measure of endurance and the ability to perform repeated high-intensity running efforts. Neuromuscular performance will be evaluated through measures of upper and lower-body strength /power output. Additionally, the study aims to explore whether beta-alanine supplementation can improve the ability to sustain high-intensity actions and overall physical readiness in female team-sport athletes.
- Conditions
- Beta Alanine Supplementation, Placebo - Control
- Being tested
- Placebo Comparator, Beta-Alanine
- Keywords
- dietary supplements, team sports, female
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Placebo ComparatorDietary supplement
Placebo group will receive 4.8 grams per day of placebo, containing fructose (3000 mg) and excipients (1800 mg) such as cellulose, calcium phosphate, silicon dioxide, and magnesium stearate. Both supplements will be matched in appearance and dosing schedule to ensure proper blinding. Compliance with the supplementation protocol will be monitored throughout the intervention period.
Beta-AlanineDietary supplement
Participants assigned to the experimental group will receive beta-alanine supplementation (CROWN Sport Nutrition, La Rioja, España) at a dose of 4.8 grams per day for a period of four weeks . The supplement will be administered in divided doses throughout the day to enhance absorption and minimize potential side effects such as paresthesia
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Beta-alanine supplementation | Experimental | Participants assigned to the experimental group will receive beta-alanine supplementation (CROWN Sport Nutrition, La Rioja, España) at a dose of 4.8 grams per day for a period of four weeks . The supplement will be administered in divided doses throughout the day to enhance absorption and minimize potential side effects such as paresthesia Receives: Dietary Supplement: Placebo Comparator; Dietary Supplement: Beta-Alanine |
| Dietary Supplement: Placebo Comparator | Placebo comparator | Description: Placebo group will receive 4.8 grams per day of placebo, containing fructose (3000 mg) and excipients (1800 mg) such as cellulose, calcium phosphate, silicon dioxide, and magnesium stearate. Both supplements will be matched in appearance and dosing schedule to ensure proper blinding. Compliance with the supplementation protocol will be monitored throughout the intervention period. Receives: Dietary Supplement: Placebo Comparator; Dietary Supplement: Beta-Alanine |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Bronco Test (Cardiovascular Test)
The Bronco Test will be used to assess cardiovascular fitness and the ability to perform repeated high-intensity running efforts. This field-based test consists of continuous shuttle running over increasing distances (typically 20, 40, and 60 meters) repeated multiple times without rest, totaling 1,200 meters. Participants are required to complete the test as quickly as possible, with total time recorded as the main performance outcome. The Bronco Test is widely used in team sports such as rugby due to its strong ecological validity, as it reflects the intermittent and high-intensity nature of match play. Improvements in completion time are indicative of enhanced aerobic capacity, speed endurance, and overall cardiovascular performance.
Measured: Before and after the intervention period, which lasted four weeks.
Repeated sprint ability capacity
Repeated-sprint ability will be assesed using a 6 × 30 m repeated-sprint test, from which two indices were derived: total sprint time and percent sprint decrement. Total sprint time was calculated as the sum of the six individual sprint times, expressed in seconds, and represents overall sprint performance across repeated efforts. The percent sprint decrement was used as an indicator of fatigue, reflecting the decline in performance across successive sprints.
Measured: Before and after the intervention period, which lasted four weeks.
Secondary outcomes (4)
Isometric handgrip strength
Isometric handgrip strength will be assessed using a calibrated handgrip dynamometer. Participants will perform the test in a standardized position (standing), with the arm fully extended elbow and without contact with the body. After a brief familiarization, participants will be instructed to squeeze the dynamometer with maximal effort for 3-5 seconds. Two trials will be performed for each hand, with adequate rest between attempts to avoid fatigue. The highest value recorded (Newtons) will be used for analysis.
Measured: Before and after the intervention period, which lasted four weeks.
Vertical jump capacity (countermovement jump)
Vertical jump performance will be assessed using the countermovement jump (CMJ) test, a widely used measure of lower-body neuromuscular performance. Participants will begin in an upright standing position, then perform a rapid downward movement (eccentric phase) followed immediately by a maximal upward jump (concentric phase), with hands placed on the hips to eliminate arm swing. Jump height will be recorded using a validated measurement system (contact mat). Participants will perform two maximal attempts and the best performance will be used for analysis.
Measured: Before and after the intervention period, which lasted four weeks.
Modified agility T-test
Agility will be assessed using the Modified Agility T-test measure by photocells, a reliable and sport-specific measure of change-of-direction speed. Participants will start behind the starting line, sprint forward to a central cone, shuffle laterally to one side, then move across to the opposite side, and finally return to the center before backpedaling to the starting position. The modified version typically involves shorter distances and emphasizes lateral movements relevant to team sports such as rugby. Performance time will be recorded using electronic timing gates. or a stopwatch, with faster times indicating better agility performance. Participants will perform two trials with adequate rest between attempts, and the best time will be used for analysis. This test evaluates multidirectional speed, coordination, and the ability to rapidly change direction, all of which are essential components of rugby performance.
Measured: Before and after the intervention period, which lasted four weeks.
Rate of perceived exertion (RPE)
Rate of perceived exertion will be assessed using the Borg 6-20 scale to quantify participants' subjective perception of effort during exercise. Participants will be asked to rate their level of exertion immediately after training session by selecting a number that best reflects how hard the effort felt, ranging from 6 (no exertion at all) to 20 (maximal exertion). The Borg 6-20 scale is a valid and reliable tool that correlates well with physiological markers such as heart rate, and it is widely used to monitor internal load and exercise intensity in both research and applied sport settings.
Measured: Before and after the intervention period, which lasted four weeks.
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted9 Sep 2026
- Study start1 Sep 2026
- Primary completion10 Sep 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion15 Nov 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Beta Alanine SupplementationStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- 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
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- This study will use a randomized, parallel-group design. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: an experimental group receiving beta-alanine supplementation (4.8 g/day) or a control group receiving a placebo. Both groups will follow the same supplementation protocol over a four-week period. This design will allow for the comparison of the effects of beta-alanine versus placebo on cardiovascular and neuromuscular performance outcomes in female rugby players.
- Masking
- Triple blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Care provider, Investigator
- Enrolment
- 30 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Universidad Pontificia Comillas
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- University of Seville, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07809321
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- UPC__UniversidadComillas
- Acronym
- BA_RUGBY
- Status last verified
- Jun 2026
- First submitted
- 2 Apr 2026
- Last updated
- 9 Sep 2026
- Results posted
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: Individual participant data (IPD) will not be shared, as the data will be handled exclusively by the principal investigator of the study to ensure confidentiality and data protection.
Publications
Vachon A, Berryman N, Mujika I, Paquet JB, Bosquet L. Fitness Determinants of Repeated High-Intensity Effort Ability in Elite Rugby Union Players. Int J Sports Physiol Perform. 2021 Aug 1;16(8):1103-1110. doi: 10.1123/ijspp.2020-0525. Epub 2021 Mar 31.
PubMed 33789247
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 9 Sep 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Influence of Beta-Alanine Supplementation on Neuromuscular and Cardiovascular Performance in Female Rugby Players
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07809321
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- BA_RUGBY / UPC__UniversidadComillas
- Conditions
- Beta Alanine Supplementation, Placebo - Control
- Keywords
- dietary supplements, team sports, female
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Enrolling by invitation
- Enrolment
- 30 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Universidad Pontificia ComillasUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- University of Seville, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria
- Study start
- 1 Sep 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 10 Sep 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 15 Nov 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 9 Sep 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.
This study will examine the effects of beta-alanine supplementation on physical performance in female rugby players, who will ingest 4.8 grams/day over a four-week period. The research will evaluate both cardiovascular and neuromuscular outcomes, with cardiovascular performance assessed using the Bronco Test (a field-based measure of endurance and repeated high-intensity running ability) and neuromuscular performance (e.g.vertical jump capacity).
Detailed description
This study will examine the effects of beta-alanine supplementation on physical performance in female rugby players, who will ingest 4.8 grams/day over a four-week period. Beta-alanine is a dietary supplement known to increase muscle carnosine levels, which may enhance buffering capacity and delay fatigue during high-intensity exercise. The research will evaluate both cardiovascular and neuromuscular outcomes, providing a comprehensive assessment of performance adaptations relevant to rugby. Cardiovascular performance will be assessed using the Bronco Test, a validated field-based measure of endurance and the ability to perform repeated high-intensity running efforts. Neuromuscular performance will be evaluated through measures of upper and lower-body strength /power output. Additionally, the study aims to explore whether beta-alanine supplementation can improve the ability to sustain high-intensity actions and overall physical readiness in female team-sport athletes.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Triple blind (participant, care provider, investigator)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- This study will use a randomized, parallel-group design. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: an experimental group receiving beta-alanine supplementation (4.8 g/day) or a control group receiving a placebo. Both groups will follow the same supplementation protocol over a four-week period. This design will allow for the comparison of the effects of beta-alanine versus placebo on cardiovascular and neuromuscular performance outcomes in female rugby players.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Beta-alanine supplementation | Experimental | Dietary Supplement: Placebo Comparator, Dietary Supplement: Beta-AlanineParticipants assigned to the experimental group will receive beta-alanine supplementation (CROWN Sport Nutrition, La Rioja, España) at a dose of 4.8 grams per day for a period of four weeks . The supplement will be administered in divided doses throughout the day to enhance absorption and minimize potential side effects such as paresthesia |
| Dietary Supplement: Placebo Comparator | Placebo comparator | Dietary Supplement: Placebo Comparator, Dietary Supplement: Beta-AlanineDescription: Placebo group will receive 4.8 grams per day of placebo, containing fructose (3000 mg) and excipients (1800 mg) such as cellulose, calcium phosphate, silicon dioxide, and magnesium stearate. Both supplements will be matched in appearance and dosing schedule to ensure proper blinding. Compliance with the supplementation protocol will be monitored throughout the intervention period. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 40 years
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Rugby participants with at least three years of professional experience.
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Suffering from any chronic pathology or an injury in the month prior to the investigation.
- Intolerance to beta-alanine supplementation
- Participants aged outside the range of 18 to 40 years.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Placebo ComparatorPlacebo group will receive 4.8 grams per day of placebo, containing fructose (3000 mg) and excipients (1800 mg) such as cellulose, calcium phosphate, silicon dioxide, and magnesium stearate. Both supplements will be matched in appearance and dosing schedule to ensure proper blinding. Compliance with the supplementation protocol will be monitored throughout the intervention period. | Dietary supplement | Beta-alanine supplementation, Dietary Supplement: Placebo Comparator |
| Beta-AlanineParticipants assigned to the experimental group will receive beta-alanine supplementation (CROWN Sport Nutrition, La Rioja, España) at a dose of 4.8 grams per day for a period of four weeks . The supplement will be administered in divided doses throughout the day to enhance absorption and minimize potential side effects such as paresthesia | Dietary supplement | Beta-alanine supplementation, Dietary Supplement: Placebo Comparator |
Primary outcome
Bronco Test (Cardiovascular Test)
Time frame: Before and after the intervention period, which lasted four weeks.
The Bronco Test will be used to assess cardiovascular fitness and the ability to perform repeated high-intensity running efforts. This field-based test consists of continuous shuttle running over increasing distances (typically 20, 40, and 60 meters) repeated multiple times without rest, totaling 1,200 meters. Participants are required to complete the test as quickly as possible, with total time recorded as the main performance outcome. The Bronco Test is widely used in team sports such as rugby due to its strong ecological validity, as it reflects the intermittent and high-intensity nature of match play. Improvements in completion time are indicative of enhanced aerobic capacity, speed endurance, and overall cardiovascular performance.
Repeated sprint ability capacity
Time frame: Before and after the intervention period, which lasted four weeks.
Repeated-sprint ability will be assesed using a 6 × 30 m repeated-sprint test, from which two indices were derived: total sprint time and percent sprint decrement. Total sprint time was calculated as the sum of the six individual sprint times, expressed in seconds, and represents overall sprint performance across repeated efforts. The percent sprint decrement was used as an indicator of fatigue, reflecting the decline in performance across successive sprints.
4 secondary outcomes
Isometric handgrip strength
Time frame: Before and after the intervention period, which lasted four weeks.
Vertical jump capacity (countermovement jump)
Time frame: Before and after the intervention period, which lasted four weeks.
Modified agility T-test
Time frame: Before and after the intervention period, which lasted four weeks.
Rate of perceived exertion (RPE)
Time frame: Before and after the intervention period, which lasted four weeks.
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 9 Sep 2026.
- Background: PubMed 33789247Vachon A, Berryman N, Mujika I, Paquet JB, Bosquet L. Fitness Determinants of Repeated High-Intensity Effort Ability in Elite Rugby Union Players. Int J Sports Physiol Perform. 2021 Aug 1;16(8):1103-1110. doi: 10.1123/ijspp.2020-0525. Epub 2021 Mar 31.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. Individual participant data (IPD) will not be shared, as the data will be handled exclusively by the principal investigator of the study to ensure confidentiality and data protection.
Related trials for Beta Alanine Supplementation
RecruitingPhase 3
Effects of β-alanine and Sodium Bicarbonate Supplementation on Physical Capacity and Biochemical Markers Concentrations
Supplementation, Sports
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.
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 Beta-Alanine in people with Beta Alanine Supplementation and Placebo - Control, run by Universidad Pontificia Comillas at 1 site in Spain.
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 1 inclusion and 3 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: enrolling by invitation, as of the sponsor's last update on 9 Sep 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 Spain. 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. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. 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?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
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?
Bronco Test (Cardiovascular Test) (time frame: Before and after the intervention period, which lasted four weeks.). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07809321, which also lists 1 linked publication.
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 9 Sep 2026.