Effects of ultra-short race pace training (USRPT) with Beta-alanine supplementation on physical fitness in young soccer players

This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of the USRPT system combined with beta-alanine supplementation on the physical performance of elite young soccer players. Forty-four young soccer players were purposefully selected and divided into four groups of 11 players: Exercise-only (placebo), Exercise with a supplementation, supplementation-only, and a control group. After a 10-minute warm-up, subjects performed the 25-minute USRPT protocol in three weekly sessions, followed by regular team training. The supplementation group consumed 4 grams of beta-alanine daily for six weeks, split into two doses 60 minutes before and after each training session. Body composition, aerobic fitness (Half-time test), anaerobic power (RAST test), 20-meter sprint, muscle endurance, and Borg's Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) were measured in the pre-test and post-test. The repeated measures ANOVA revealed a significant difference in aerobic power, anaerobic power, muscular endurance, and fatigue drag index between the exercise-placebo and exercise-plus-supplementation groups after 40 days (P=0.001). No significant differences were found between the supplementation and control groups in other variables (P>0.05). This research found that the USRPT system effectively improves aerobic and anaerobic power in soccer players. It also suggests that when combined with USRPT, beta-alanine supplementation reduces fatigue and enhances performance. Beta-alanine boosts sports performance by increasing Carnosine in muscle cells and offering antioxidant benefits. Coaches and athletes aiming to improve physical performance may consider using beta-alanine alongside targeted training.