LONG TERM CREATINE SUPPLEMENTATION IN OLDER MEN

Abstract

366 This investigation determined the effects of oral creatine supplementation for 30 days on body composition, maximal strength of the elbow flexors, and fatigue of the knee extensors in males over 60 years. Twenty males aged 60-82 years old were placed into two groups, creatine (Cr) and placebo (P), and supplemented in double-blind fashion. Subjects ingested either 20 grams of Cr for 10 days or an identical looking and tasting dextrose placebo for the same duration. Following this loading phase, subjects ingested either 4 grams of creatine or the placebo once per day for 20 days. All tests were conducted pre and again following 10 and 30 days of supplementation. Leg fatigue was determined using a Biodex isokinetic dynamometer; subjects performed 5 sets of 30 maximal voluntary contractions at 180° per/second with 1 minute of recovery between sets. Maximal strength of the elbow flexors was assessed using a modified preacher bench attached to a strain gauge. There was a significant difference (p<0.05) between groups over time in leg fatigue following supplementation. There were no significant differences in body mass, body density, or fat free mass as assessed with hydrostatic weighing. Maximal strength between groups was not significantly different from pre to post supplementation. These data suggest that 30 days of creatine supplementation may have a beneficial effect on reducing muscle fatigue in men over the age of 60, but does not affect body composition or strength. Supported by a grant from Pfanstiehl Laboratories, Inc. Supplements provided by the NutraSense Company