Effect Of Resistance Training And Creatine Supplementation On Body Composition In Older Women

Abstract

Several studies have reported that moderate- or high-intensity resistance training and/or creatine supplementation can to increase free-fat mass (FFM). Increases in FFM can be attributed to increases in total body water, bone tissue, and muscle cross-sectional areas and volumes. Although the hypertrophic response is diminished in older adults, we believe that resistance training plus creatine supplementation can to result in favorable changes in body composition in older women. PURPOSE: To analyze the isolated and combinated effect of resistance training and creatine supplementation on body composition in elderly women. METHODS: Forty-five healthy women (63.2 ± 4.4 years) were randomly assigned into four groups after a 12-week accompaniment in resistance training or static active stretching exercises. Two groups performed 12 weeks of resistance training (one routine, three times/week, eight exercises, two sets of 10-15 RM) associated to creatine (RTCR, n = 11) or placebo (RTPL, n = 11) supplementation. The other two groups performed 12 weeks of static active stretching exercises (one routine, two times/week, eighteen exercises, one set of 20 s) associated with creatine (SSCR, n = 11) or placebo (SSPL, n = 12). Creatine or placebo (maltodextrin) was consumed in a daily dose of 5 g associated with 250 ml of carbohydrate drink. Body composition was assessed by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, total body water (TBW) was estimated by bioelectric impedance and muscle mass was calculated by equation of Kim et al (2004). Energy intake and macronutrients proportion were identified by a three-day food record pre- and post supplementation period. RESULTS: Interaction supplementation vs. moment was observed for body mass, with greater gains during 12 weeks in the creatine groups (F = 4.22; P < 0.05). A significant interaction group vs. supplementation was found for muscle mass (F = 4.40; P < 0.05) identifying additional effect of creatine supplementation in the group that performed resistance training (RTCR = +0.6 kg vs. RTPL = +0.3 kg). There were no significant changes in relative fat and fat mass in neither groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Twelve weeks of resistance training increased FFM and muscle mass and creatine supplementation maximized these gains in elderly women. Supported by CNPq, CAPES, and Fundação Araucária.