Creatine In Osteoarthritis, A Randomized, Double-blinded, Placebo-controlled Trial

Abstract

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of creatine (CR) supplementation combined with strengthening exercises in knee osteoarthritis (OA) women. METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was performed. Patients were allocated to receive either CR or placebo (PL) and were enrolled in a lower limb resistance training program. They were assessed at baseline (PRE) and after 12 weeks (POST). The primary outcome was the physical function as measured by the timed-stands test. Secondary outcomes included lean mass, quality of life, pain, stiffness, and muscle strength. RESULTS: Physical function was significantly improved only in the CR group (p=0.006). Additionally, a significant between-group difference was observed (CR-PRE: 15.7 ± 1.4, POST: 18.1 ± 1.8; PL-PRE: 15.0 ± 1.8, POST: 15.2 ± 1.2; p=0.004). The CR group also presented improvements in physical function and stiffness subscales as evaluated by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) (p=0.005 and p=0.024, respectively), whereas the PL group did not show any significant changes in these parameters (p>0.05). Additionally, only the CR group presented a significant improvement in lower limb lean mass (p=0.04) as well as in quality of life (p=0.01). Both CR and PL groups demonstrated significant reductions in pain (p<0.05). Similarly, a main effect for time revealed an increase in leg-press 1-RM (p=0.005) with no significant differences between groups (p=0.81). CONCLUSIONS: CR supplementation improves physical function, lower limb lean mass and quality of life in postmenopausal women with knee OA undergoing lower limb strengthening exercises. Clinicaltrials.gov number: NCT00992043.