THE EFFECTS OF CREATINE SUPPLEMENTATION ON MUSCULAR STRENGTH AND BODY COMPOSITION OF HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES

Abstract

357 Twenty three male high school athletes (age 16.5(0.8) yr, height 177(7.6) cm, weight 79.4 (15.5) kg) participated in a six week double blind protocol and were randomly assigned to either a creatine (Cr)(n=8), placebo (P)(n=9) or control (C)(n=6) group. Treatment groups participated in a total body resistance training program biweekly. One set of each exercise was performed at a 3 second concentric/3 second eccentric movement to concentric failure. Pre and post testing included 8RM bench press(BP), leg press(LP), shoulder press(SP), vertical jump(VJ), hydrostatic weighing(BC), and bench press maximum repetitions at 80% of 8RM(ME). Treatment groups ingested 5 g/4 × day for 5 days followed by 3g/day for 37 days of either creatine monohydrate or a placebo (maltodextrin). The following results were obtained: (Table)TableStatistical analysis by ANOVA (*p<.05) revealed significant improvement in BP, LP, SP, and LBW for both Cr and P groups. Six weeks of resistance training provides improvement in muscular strength and body composition for high school athletes but creatine supplementation did not significantly impact on the magnitude of change. The use of creatine supplementation for males ages 15-18 does not appear warranted.