The effect of creatine monohydrate loading on maximal intermittent exercise and sport-specific strength in well trained power-lifters

Abstract

The effect of creatine loading on the performance of sedentary and recreationally active individuals has been well documented, but research on well trained individuals is still lacking. In this double-blind study the effect of creatine monohydrate loading (9g/day) on maximal intermittent isokinetic exercise and sport-specific strength in 13 well trained power-lifters was ascertained. Both before and after supplementation the creatine (n=8) and placebo (n=5) groups performed three sets of maximal unilateral knee extensions on an isokinetic dynamometer interspaced with 60s rest periods. This was followed up the next day by a maximal deadlift strength feat performed in a gymnasium. Values for peak torque, average power, total work and work output during the first five sample repetitions in the creatine group increased significantly and in a relatively constant fashion in all subjects (correlation coefficients ranged between 0.84 and 0.92) after five supplementation days. There was also a significant ( p = 0.010) increase in the deadlift lifting volume after six days of creatine supplementation. Findings from this study suggest that nine grams of creatine monohydrate per day for five and six days respectively, improves maximal intermittent isokinetic power output and sport-specific strength in well trained power-lifters.