Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of 2 weeks of creatine hydrochloride (CrHCl) supplementation on physical performance and hormonal changes in army soldiers. Materials: Eighteen male army soldiers were randomly assigned in a double-blind fashion to either a CrHCl (n=9) or placebo (Pl) (n=9) groups. CrHCl group costumed 3g of creatine per day, whereas Pl group was given dextrose. Before and after supplementation period, the subjects performed a battery of performance tests including one repletion maximum (1RM) of bench press and back squat, vertical jump (VJ) and Wingate anaerobic test. In addition, blood samples were obtained to determine changes in testosterone and cortisol concentrations per and post supplementation. Results: There were significant increases in VJ, peak and mean power, and 1RM back squat test following the 2 weeks of CrHCl supplementation (p < 0.05) without any significant change for the Pl group. In addition significant changes were observed in testosterone and cortisol concentrations from before to after supplementation in CrHCl group (p < 0.05) and compared with Pl group (p=0.001). Conclusions: In conclusion, the present study indicates that CrHCl supplementation can improve VJ, power performance, 1RM back squat and hormonal changes in army soldiers.
Highlights
It has been well documented that the physiological stress of sustained military operations has significant effects to decrement in body mass, strength and power in soldiers [1,2]
The analysis revealed that a total sample size of N = 9 for each group would be sufficient to find effects of Cr supplementation on hormonal and performance changes
Significant changes were observed in testosterone and cortisol concentrations from before to after the supplementation in Creatine Hydrocloride (CrHCl) group (p < 0.05)
Summary
It has been well documented that the physiological stress of sustained military operations has significant effects to decrement in body mass, strength and power in soldiers [1,2]. In consideration that sustained combat operations or highly intense military training may result in energy deficit, the use of a nutrient intervention to preserve lean mass and physical performance may be desirable [1]. Cr is a popular dietary supplement that is used by athletes to increase muscle mass and strength and especially to improve sports performance [3, 4]. Phosphocreatine (PCr) plays a key role in energy provision to muscle cell. Dietary supplementation of Cr has been shown to increase muscle levels of both Cr and PCr by 20–50% [6,7]
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