THE EFFECTS OF PASSIVE, ACTIVE, AND BETA-ALANINE SUPPLEMENTED RECOVERY ON BLOOD LACTATE DURING ANAEROBIC EXERCISE

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: It is widely shown through experimentation and knowledge of human physiology that an active recovery following high-intensity exercise removes lactic acid (BLa) more quickly than passive recovery. Some research suggests that Beta-Alanine (BA) supplementation can decrease BLa levels following supramaximal exercise. PURPOSE: The purpose of this research was to assess whether passive, active, or Beta-Alanine supplemented recovery is more effective at lowering blood lactate accumulation following supramaximal anaerobic exercise. METHODS: Five male (M, 21.2 ±1.48 yrs, 178.25 ±6.36 cm, 85.59 ±10.30 kg) and three female subjects (F, 22 ±1.73 yrs, 164.23 ±1.50 cm, 70.9 ±12.56 kgs) at UTA volunteered to participate in this study. Each subject completed three sessions of active, passive, and supplemented Wingate protocols. Blood Lactate measurements were taken at rest for each protocol, and after completion of the final recovery. Blood lactate values were compared between initial (resting) and final values between the differing protocols. RESULTS: Results were determined using SPSS, where the p value was set at .05. There was no statistical significance for the differences in between active and passive recovery (F(1,7)= 1.297, p= .292). There was no statistical significance for differences between Beta-Alanine and placebo supplemented groups (F(1,6)= .003, p= .962). CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicated that there were no differences between blood lactate in passive and active recovery, and no benefits of Beta-Alanine supplementation on blood lactate accumulation following supramaximal exercise.