Topical carnosine gel improves intermittent high-intensity exercise performance ⚡️

A shortcut alternative to beta-alanine.

Topical carnosine gel improves intermittent high-intensity exercise performance in world-class rugby sevens players

Study Details

This new study recruited 7 world class rugby sevens players to complete 2 x 12 intermittent cycle sprints, 40-mins after application of either…

1️⃣ 10ml topical carnosine gel

2️⃣ 10ml ultrasound gel (placebo)

…to each leg (thigh and calf)🦵

Participants completed both interventions ✅

Here is what they found ⬇️

Key Findings

Compared to placebo, carnosine gel led to significantly enhanced peak power output in…

👉 Sprint 2

👉 Sprint 4

👉 Sprint 7

On average a 5 - 10% improvement 📈

However, there were no effects present vs placebo for..

❌ Mean power output

❌ Heart rate

❌ RPE

Conclusion

Topical carnosine gel appears to improve power production in elite rugby players, without need for a loading phase (typical with beta-alanine) ✅

To determine if this gel is a complete alternative to beta-alanine we would have to see a direct comparison 🔍

Ideally it would be, to avoid two practical issues with beta-alanine (paraesthesia and need for a loading phase) 💊

Reference

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40859880/

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