The effect of supplemental beta-alanine and anaerobic training on the development of fatigue index, PFK enzyme, and 200-meter sprint performance in young athletes

Abstract

The current research aims to provide young 200-meter runners with the nutritional supplement Beta-Alanine in conjunction with anaerobic training and to determine its effect on the development of the fatigue index, PFK enzyme, and 200-meter running performance. To achieve this objective, the researcher employed an experimental approach and a two-group equivalent design. Anaerobic training was applied to both experimental groups, but the difference was that the second experimental group received the nutritional supplement.

The research population consisted of eight young 200-meter runners from Najaf Governorate who participated in local championships at the governorate level during the 2025-2026 sports season. These runners were randomly divided into two groups of four. The researcher then prepared the tests and ensured their validity through a pilot study. Following this, she administered the pre-tests and confirmed the homogeneity and equivalence between the two research groups. Finally, anaerobic training was implemented for eight weeks, with three sessions per week, using the same anaerobic training methods. During the training period, the second experimental group was supplied with the beta-alanine supplement on the same days as their training sessions. The group received two doses per day, each dose being 1.6 grams. The doses were administered one hour before and one hour after training. After the designated period, the researcher administered post-tests. Data collection and analysis using the SPSS statistical software revealed that the second experimental group, which received the beta-alanine supplement and underwent anaerobic training, outperformed the first experimental group, which only underwent anaerobic training. This was demonstrated by the comparison of the two groups in the variables of fatigue index, PFK enzyme, and 200-meter sprint performance.