Creatine Monohydrate Supplementation Research Articles

Supplementing With Which Form of Creatine (Hydrochloride or Monohydrate) Alongside Resistance Training Can Have More Impacts on Anabolic/Catabolic Hormones, Strength and Body Composition?

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of resistance training (RT) alongside creatine-hydrochloride (Cr-HCl) or creatine monohydrate (CrM) supplementation on anabolic/catabolic hormones, strength, and body composition. Forty participants with an age range of 18-25 years were randomly divided into four groups (n=10): RT+Cr-HCl (0.03 g.kg-1 of body mass), RT+CrM-loading phase (CrM-LP) (0.3 g.kg-1 of body mass for five days (loading) and 0.03 g.kg-1 body mass for 51 days (maintenance)), RT+CrM-without loading phase (CrM-WLP) (0.03 g.kg-1 body mass), and RT+placebo (PL). The participants consumed supplements and performed RT with an intensity of 70-85 % 1RM for eight weeks. Before and after the training and supplementation period, strength (1RM), body composition (percent body fat (PBF), skeletal muscle mass (SMM), muscular cross-sectional area (MCSA)) and serum levels of testosterone, growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), follistatin and myostatin were measured. The results showed that in the supplementation groups, strength, arm and thigh MCSA, and SMM significantly increased, and PBF significantly decreased (P≤0.05); this change was significant compared to the PL group (P≤0.05). In addition, the results showed a significant increase in GH, IGF-1 levels, the ratio of follistatin/myostatin, testosterone/cortisol (P≤0.05), and a significant decrease in cortisol and ACTH levels (P≤0.05) in the supplementation groups. Hormonal changes in GH, IGF-1, testosterone/cortisol, cortisol, and ACTH levels in the supplementation groups were significant compared to the PL group (P≤0.05). The results showed that CrM and Cr-HCl significantly enhanced the beneficial effects of RT on strength, hypertrophy, and hormonal responses, with Cr-HCl showing no benefit over CrM.

Effects of Creatine Monohydrate Supplementation on Muscle, Bone and Brain- Hope or Hype for Older Adults?

Sarcopenia, generally characterized by the age-related reduction in muscle strength, lean/muscle mass and functional ability, is also associated with reduced bone mass and strength and impaired brain health and function. One potential intervention which has received much 'hype' over the past few decades to countermeasure these negative consequences of biological aging is creatine monohydrate supplementation. From a skeletal muscle perspective, the combination of creatine monohydrate supplementation and resistance training provides 'hope' for older adults as it improves measures of lean mass, regional (limb) muscle thickness, upper- and lower-body muscle strength and functional ability. Further, there is some evidence that creatine (supplementation or habitual diet) provides a ray of 'hope' for improving some aspects of cognitive function. The majority of research suggests that creatine is more 'hype' than 'hope' for improving measures of bone mass in older adults. Creatine monohydrate supplementation provides some anti-sarcopenic benefits for older adults.

Fueling the Firefighter and Tactical Athlete with Creatine: A Narrative Review of a Key Nutrient for Public Safety

Background/Objectives: Firefighters, tactical police officers, and warriors often engage in periodic, intermittent, high-intensity physical work in austere environmental conditions and have a heightened risk of premature mortality. In addition, tough decision-making challenges, routine sleep deprivation, and trauma exacerbate this risk. Therefore, identifying strategies to bolster these personnel’s health and occupational performance is critical. Creatine monohydrate (CrM) supplementation may offer several benefits to firefighters and tactical athletes (e.g., police, security, and soldiers) due to its efficacy regarding physical performance, muscle, cardiovascular health, mental health, and cognitive performance. Methods: We conducted a narrative review of the literature with a focus on the benefits and application of creatine monohydrate among firefighters. Results: Recent evidence demonstrates that CrM can improve anaerobic exercise capacity and muscular fitness performance outcomes and aid in thermoregulation, decision-making, sleep, recovery from traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and mental health. Emerging evidence also suggests that CrM may confer an antioxidant/anti-inflammatory effect, which may be particularly important for firefighters and those performing tactical occupations exposed to oxidative and physiological stress, which can elicit systemic inflammation and increase the risk of chronic diseases. Conclusions: This narrative review highlights the potential applications of CrM for related tactical occupations, with a particular focus on firefighters, and calls for further research into these populations.

Effects of Short-Term Creatine Monohydrate Supplementation Combined with Strength Training on the Physical Fitness Characteristics and Muscle Hypertrophy in Junior Women Wrestlers

Abstract Background Creatine is a nutritional supplement commonly used to increase strength performance and muscle mass, but its effects on female wrestlers are still unclear and equivocal. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the efficacy of short-term creatine monohydrate supplementation combined with strength training on the physical fitness characteristics and muscle hypertrophy in junior women wrestlers. Methodology Eighteen women wrestlers (age = 18.7 ± 0.9 years, body mass index = 21.4 ± 2.5 kg/m2) participated in this research. Participants were randomly divided into three groups: Experimental Group 1—EXP1: (training with creatine supplementation), Experimental Group 2—EXP2: (training without creatine supplementation), and Control group (without training or creatine supplementation). Strength training was performed for 6 weeks, four sessions per week, with a training intensity ranging from 65 to 75% of the maximal heart rate reserve and one-repetition maximum. EXP1 was supplemented with 10 g creatine during training days. Various physical fitness characteristics and muscle hypertrophy variables were collected at three time points (pretest, midtest, and posttest). Results A number of variables were significantly improved in the EXP1 after 6 weeks (weight, body mass index, one-repetition maximum, agility, muscular power, and hypertrophy) but not in the EXP2 and control groups. Conclusion Short-term creatine supplementation, in conjunction with strength training, emerges as a highly effective approach for enhancing hypertrophy and boosting physical fitness factors in female wrestlers. Therefore, it is recommended that junior wrestlers individuals supplement with creatine during their strength training routines.

Assessment of the Efficacy in Athletes and Non-Athletes of the Use of Creatine Monohydrate in Physical Exercise: A Systematic Review

Background: Considering the growing awareness of the population regarding the importance of engaging in physical activity, the utilization of supplements, such as creatine monohydrate, is also expanding in search of the attributed benefits of these substances. This study describes and analyzes the relationship between supplementation with creatine monohydrate and the improvement in the athletic performance of athletes from various disciplines and training levels, as well as non-athletes. Material and methods: A systematic review of clinical trials that address the use of creatine monohydrate in various sports contexts was conducted, followed by an analysis of the results based on body composition, jump capacity, and strength performance to determine points of correlation between the data presented in each publication. Results: A significant improvement in body composition, jump capacity, and strength performance was observed among participants who used supplementation, although in many cases, the results were heterogeneous. Conclusion: Creatine monohydrate supplementation positively influences body composition and physical performance, but further research is needed to understand its effects in specific populations.

221. Brain Phosphorus Bioenergetics Improves in Depressed Subjects After Eight Weeks of Creatine Monohydrate Supplementation

221. Brain Phosphorus Bioenergetics Improves in Depressed Subjects After Eight Weeks of Creatine Monohydrate Supplementation

Creatine supplementation and resistance training to preserve muscle mass and attenuate cancer progression (CREATINE-52): a protocol for a double-blind randomized controlled trial

BackgroundMuscle mass is important for metastatic prostate cancer survival and quality of life (QoL). The backbone of treatment for men with metastatic castration sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC) is androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) with an androgen signaling inhibitor. ADT is an effective cancer treatment, but it facilitates significant declines in muscle mass and adverse health outcomes important to mCSPC survivors, such as fatigue, and reductions in physical function, independence, insulin sensitivity, and QoL. In non-metastatic CSPC survivors, resistance training (RT) preserves muscle mass and improves these related health outcomes, but the biggest barrier to RT in CSPC survivors of all stages is fatigue. Creatine monohydrate supplementation coupled with RT (Cr + RT) may address this barrier since creatine plays a critical role in energy metabolism. Cr + RT in cancer-free older adults and other clinical populations improves muscle mass and related health outcomes. Evidence also suggests that creatine supplementation can complement cancer treatment. Thus, Cr + RT is a strategy that addresses gaps in survivorship needs of people with mCSPC. The purpose of this parallel, double-blind randomized controlled trial is to test the effects of 52-weeks of Cr + RT compared with placebo (PLA) and RT (PLA + RT) on muscle mass, other related health outcomes, and markers of cancer progression.MethodsWe will carry out this trial with our team’s established, effective, home-based, telehealth RT program in 200 mCSPC survivors receiving ADT, and evaluate outcomes at baseline, 24-, and 52-weeks. RT will occur twice weekly with elastic resistance bands, and an established creatine supplementation protocol will be used for supplementation delivery. Our approach addresses a major facilitator to RT in mCSPC survivors, a home-based RT program, while utilizing a supervised model for safety.DiscussionFindings will improve delivery of comprehensive survivorship care by providing a multicomponent, patient-centered lifestyle strategy to preserve muscle mass, improve health outcomes, and complement cancer treatment (NCT06112990).

Protocol for a single-arm, pilot trial of creatine monohydrate supplementation in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

Impaired brain bioenergetics is a pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and is a compelling target for AD treatment. Patients with AD exhibit dysfunction in the brain creatine (Cr) system, which is integral in maintaining bioenergetic flux. Recent studies in AD mouse models suggest Cr supplementation improves brain mitochondrial function and may be protective of AD peptide pathology and cognition. The Creatine to Augment Bioenergetics in Alzheimer's disease (CABA) study is designed to primarily assess the feasibility of supplementation with 20g/day of creatine monohydrate (CrM) in patients with cognitive impairment due to AD. Secondary aims are designed to generate preliminary data investigating changes in brain Cr levels, cognition, peripheral and brain mitochondrial function, and muscle strength and size. CABA is an 8-week, single-arm pilot study that will recruit 20 patients with cognitive impairment due to AD. Participants attend five in-person study visits: two visits at baseline to conduct screening and baseline assessments, a 4-week visit, and two 8-week visits. Outcomes assessment includes recruitment, retention, and compliance, cognitive testing, magnetic resonance spectroscopy of brain metabolites, platelet and lymphocyte mitochondrial function, and muscle strength and morphology at baseline and 8weeks. CABA is the first study to investigate CrM as a potential treatment in patients with AD. The pilot data generated by this study are pertinent to inform the design of future large-scale efficacy trials. ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05383833 , registered on 20 May 2022.

The effects of creatine supplementation on cognitive function in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of creatine monohydrate supplementation on cognitive function in adults and explore its potential role in preventing and delaying cognitive impairment-related diseases. Following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between 1993 and 2024 were retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42024533557). The impact of creatine supplementation on overall cognitive function, memory, executive function, attention, and information processing speed was assessed using standardized mean differences (SMD) and Hedge's g with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Sixteen RCTs involving 492 participants aged 20.8-76.4 years, including healthy individuals and patients with specific diseases, were selected. Creatine monohydrate was the form used in all included studies. Creatine supplementation showed significant positive effects on memory (SMD = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.18-0.44, Hedges's g = 0.3003, 95% CI: 0.1778-0.4228) and attention time (SMD = -0.31, 95% CI: -0.58 to -0.03, Hedges's g = -0.3004, 95% CI: -0.5719 to -0.0289), as well as significantly improving processing speed time (SMD = -0.51, 95% CI: -1.01 to -0.01, Hedges's g = -0.4916, 95% CI: -0.7852 to -0.1980). However, no significant improvements were found on overall cognitive function or executive function. Subgroup analyses revealed that creatine supplementation was more beneficial in individuals with diseases, those aged 18-60 years, and females. No significant differences were found between short- (<4 weeks) and long-term (≥4 weeks) interventions for improving cognitive function. Low-to-moderate risk of bias was found, and no significant publication bias was detected. The GRADE assessment indicates that the certainty of evidence for memory function is moderate, suggesting a reasonable level of confidence in the positive effects of creatine on memory. However, the evidence for processing speed, overall cognitive function, executive function, and attention is of low certainty, indicating that further research is needed to confirm these potential benefits. Current evidence suggests that creatine monohydrate supplementation may confer beneficial effects on cognitive function in adults, particularly in the domains of memory, attention time, and information processing speed. Larger robust clinical trials are warranted to further validate these findings. Furthermore, future research should investigate the influence of different populations and intervention durations on the effects of creatine monohydrate supplementation, as well as elucidate the precise mechanisms underlying its potential cognitive-enhancing properties.

Evidence-based nutritional approaches to enhance exercise adaptations.

The purpose of this opinion paper is to provide current-day and evidence-based information regarding dietary supplements that support resistance training adaptations or acutely enhance strength-power or endurance performance. Several independent lines of evidence support that higher protein diets, which can be readily achieved through animal-based protein supplements, optimize muscle mass during periods of resistance training, and this likely facilitates strength increases. Creatine monohydrate supplementation and peri-exercise caffeine consumption also enhance strength and power through distinct mechanisms. Supplements that favorably affect aspects of endurance performance include peri-exercise caffeine, nitrate-containing supplements (e.g., beet root juice), and sodium bicarbonate consumption. Further, beta-alanine supplementation can enhance high-intensity endurance exercise efforts. Select dietary supplements can enhance strength and endurance outcomes, and take-home recommendations will be provided for athletes and practitioners aiming to adopt these strategies.

Histological Effects of Creatine Monohydrate Supplementation on Muscle Tissue in Wistar Rats

Creatine is a dietary supplement with the potential to stimulate the phosphocreatine pathway and protein synthesis, through the stimulation of PI3eK/AKT and mTOR responsible for the proliferation and differentiation of satellite cells, responsible for hypertrophy. The present study aimed to evaluate the morphological effects of the use of creatine monohydrate on the soleus muscle tissue of 26-month-old Wistar rats. Methods: Twelve Wistar rats were divided into two groups of six animals each. Group 1 was not supplemented with creatine and received a standard diet consisting of water and food. Group 2 received the same diet, but was supplemented with creatine monohydrate at a dose of 0.03 mg/kg of body weight diluted in 200 ml of drinking water for 8 weeks. Results: The supplementation promoted morphological and morphometric effects on the soleus muscle tissue, promoting changes in the perimeter and area of the muscles of the animals treated with the supplement. It is estimated that this supplement may promote, in addition to increasing the cross-sectional area of myocytes, increased stimulation of the protein synthesis pathway associated with PI3K/AKT.

THE INFLUENCE OF CREATINE MONOHYDRATE ON THE INDICATORS OF SPEED ENDURANCE AND CHANGES IN THE LEVEL OF BIOCHEMICAL INDICATORS IN FOOTBALL PLAYERS

The relevance of the research is to maintain an optimally high level of activity of energy supply systems for muscular work and special physical performance with the help of ergogenic means for football players in the process of competitive activity is an urgent problem in sports of the highest skill level. The aim of the research is to study the effect of multiple intake of creatine monohydrate for 28 days by football players at a dose of 0.1 g/kg of muscle mass on speed endurance and biochemical parameters after a test load. After passing bioimpedance measurement and calculating the doses and implementing them into the training system of football players, research results were obtained. Statistically significant difference in the test among football players from the Experimental Group indicates a clear improvement in the level of speed endurance. The obtained data of other indicators are also indicators for inclusion in the daily diet of taking this ergogenic agent. The reduction in lactate, creatinine, and CK levels after 4 weeks of creatine monohydrate supplementation suggests that supplementation may also be effective in both increasing training volume and post-exercise recovery. Based on the data obtained, it was clearly shown how taking 28 days of creatine monohydrate at a dosage of 0.1 g / kg of muscle mass per day significantly increased performance in a test exercise (increase in the number of steps) by 8,29% and affected biochemical parameters after a test exercise, where creatinine values were lower by 3,50%, CK values by 7,20%, and lactate concentration after exercise decreased by an average of 18,00%.

The role of resistance training and creatine supplementation on oxidative stress, antioxidant defense, muscle strength, and quality of life in older adults.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of resistance training (RT) with creatine monohydrate supplementation (CS) on serum levels of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in older adults. This study evaluated the effect of resistance training with creatine monohydrate supplementation on oxidative stress and antioxidant defense, muscle strength and quality of life in older adults. We examined 45 non-athlete volunteer older men and women (mean, 68.1 ± 7.2 years old), were randomly selected and divided into three groups of 15: RT with creatine supplementation (RT + CS), RT with placebo (RT + P) and control group. RT protocol was performed for 10 weeks, three sessions per week. Creatine supplement was taken daily at a dose of 0.1 g/kg of body weight, while the placebo group consumed the same amount of starch. Fasting blood samples were taken before the start of program and at the end of the RT period. In the training groups, after 10 weeks of RT, a significant decrease in MDA and 8 - OHDG as well as a significant increase in serum levels of GPX and TAC were observed (in all cases, p = 0.001). In addition, creatinine levels were enhanced in the RT + CS (p = 0.014). Training intervention also improved quality of life and muscle strength in the experimental groups (p = 0.001), although muscle strength changes were more visible in the RT + CS group than in the RT + P group (p < 0/05). Regular resistance training can be recommended as a very suitable non-pharmacological approach to strengthen the body's antioxidant system, muscle strength and quality of life in older adults. There are no definite findings on the role of creatine on the antioxidant system and quality of life in older adults, but the use of this supplement in addition to RT can double the amount of strength gained from resistance training.

Comment on: "Creatine Monohydrate Supplementation, but not Creatyl-L-Leucine Increased Muscle Creatine Content in Healthy Young Adults: A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial".

"Comment on: “Creatine Monohydrate Supplementation, but not Creatyl-L-Leucine Increased Muscle Creatine Content in Healthy Young Adults: A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial”" published on 01 Jan 2023 by Human Kinetics.

The Efficacy of Creatine Supplementation in Improving Cognitive Performance in Adolescents: A Phase-II, Triple-Blind, Randomized Study Protocol

Background/Aims: Creatine supplementation has demonstrated cognitive benefits in neurodegenerative conditions, having a protective effect in the brain's function in stressful situations, with excellent safety (Watanabe et al., 2002). However, any beneficial effects on the cognitive performance of healthy adolescents underperforming in school is unknown. Our objective is to assess whether creatine supplementation improves cognitive performance in 15- to 17-year-old students with an average school grade below the 50th percentile. Methods: This will be a phase-II, triple-blinded, randomized, parallel-group, superiority, single-center trial. Students with grades below the 50th percentile in the prior semester will be enrolled and randomized to receive juice packages containing either creatine monohydrate supplementation (0.1 mg/kg/day), or placebo, for 12 weeks. The primary outcome will be the mean difference in change of Raven’s Standard Progressive Matrices (RSPM) scores from baseline to week 12 between groups. To achieve a 90% power for detecting a 3-point difference in change in the RSPM score, and accounting for drop-out, 116 participants will be included. Secondary outcomes will include the difference in processing speed (SpaceCode), working memory (SpaceMatrix), non-visual memory (backward digit span), percentage change in lean mass, and any safety events. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this will be the most comprehensive study assessing creatine supple-mentation in adolescents. This is a low-risk intervention that has been shown to improve cognitive function in other populations. This study will potentially support the widespread use of creatine supplementation in adolescents with low school performance, while having a positive impact on this population.

Effects of Creatine Monohydrate on Endurance Performance in a Trained Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

There is robust evidence that creatine monohydrate supplementation can enhance short-term high-intensity exercise in athletes. However, the effect of creatine monohydrate supplementation on aerobic performance and its role during aerobic activities is still controversial. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the supplementation effects of creatine monohydrate on endurance performance in a trained population. The search strategy in this systematic review and meta-analysis was designed following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, and PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were explored from inception until 19 May, 2022. Only human experimental trials, controlled with a placebo group, evaluating the effects of creatine monohydrate supplementation on endurance performance in a trained population were analyzed in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The methodological quality of included studies was evaluated using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. A total of 13 studies satisfied all the eligibility criteria and were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The results for the pooled meta-analysis showed a non-significant change in endurance performance after creatine monohydrate supplementation in a trained population (p = 0.47), with a trivial negative effect (pooled standardized mean difference = - 0.07 [95% confidence interval - 0.32 to 0.18]; I2 = 34.75%). Further, after excluding the studies not evenly distributed around the base of the funnel plot, the results were similar (pooled standardized mean difference = - 0.07 [95% confidence interval - 0.27 to 0.13]; I2 = 0%; p = 0.49). Creatine monohydrate supplementation was shown to be ineffective on endurance performance in a trained population. The study protocol was registered in the Prospective Register of Systematic Review (PROSPERO) with the following registration number: CRD42022327368.

Effects of creatine monohydrate supplementation in renal ischemia and reperfusion injury

Amaç; Böbrek nakli ya da cerrahi girişimler sırasında gelişebilen iskemi ve reperfüzyon hasarı etkisini hücrelerdeki enerji metabolizmasının bozulması ve oksidatif stresin artmasına yol açarak gösterir. Popüler sporcu destek ürünü olan kreatin monohidrat endojen bir bileşiktir. Hücrelerin enerji metabolizmasını etkileyerek oksidatif stresi azalttığı ve antioksidan etki gösterdiği bilinmektedir. Böbrekte deneysel olarak oluşturulan iskemi reperfüzyon hasarı sonrasında artan oksidatif strese ve yapısal düzeyde izlenen hasara karşı kreatin monohidratın olası etkisinin değerlendirilmesi hedeflenmiştir.Yöntemler: Çalışmada Sprague Dawley (270-380 gr) türü 24 adet erkek sıçan kullanıldı. Sıçanlar rastgele dört gruba ayrıldı: Grup 1: Kontrol grubu, Grup 2: İskemi/ Reperfüzyon grubu, Grup 3: İskemi/ Reperfüzyon +Kreatin monohidrat (Kreatin 2 g/kg/gün), Grup 4: Kreatin monohidrat (2 g/kg/gün) olarak düzenlendi. Grup 2 ve Grup 3’teki sıçanlara intraperitoneal anestezi sonrası 45 dakika boyunca sol renal arterin klemplenmesiyle renal iskemi oluşturuldu ve 45. dk’nın sonunda klemp uzaklaştırıldıktan sonra sol böbreğin parlak kırmızı renge ulaşması reperfüzyonun sağlanması olarak kabul edilerek karın ön duvarı kapatıldı. Grup 3 ve Grup 4’deki sıçanlara 3 gün süresince kreatin monohidrat (2g/kg/gün) distile su içinde çözülerek gavaj yoluyla uygulandı. Reperfüzyondan 72 saat sonra genel anestezi altında kardiyak kan, sol böbrek dokuları alındıktan sonra sakrifiye edildiler. Böbrek dokuları ışık ve elektron mikroskopta değerlendirildi. Plazma örneklerinde total oksidan ve antioksidan stres parametreleri ölçümlendi.Bulgular: İskemi ve reperfüzyon modelinde ince yapı düzeyinde glomerüler kapillerlerdeki belirgin eritrosit stazı saptandı. Bunun yanında glomerüller endotelin ve podositlerin hücre bütünlüğünün korunamadığı izlenirken proksimal tübüllerdeki hücrelerde de şişme sonucu tübül lümenin tıkandığı görüldü. Kreatin uygulanan gruplarda total antioksidan seviyesinin istatistiksel olarak anlamlı ölçüde artması yeniden yapılanma sürecinin pozitif yönde ilerlediğinin göstergesi olarak yorumlandı.Sonuç: Sonuç olarak uygulanan yöntemden kaynaklandığı düşünülen eritrosit stazı nedeniyle dolaşımın tam olarak sağlanamadığı ve buna bağlı olarak kreatin monohidrat desteğinin yapısal düzeyde belirgin olumlu etki gösteremediği düşünüldü.

Effects of creatine monohydrate timing on resistance training adaptations and body composition after 8 weeks in male and female collegiate athletes.

Limited research is available on the potential impact of creatine monohydrate administration before or after workouts among athletes. This study aimed to investigate the effects of pre- vs. post-exercise creatine monohydrate supplementation on resistance training adaptations and body composition. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel design, 34 healthy resistance-trained male and female athletes were randomly assigned and matched according to fat free mass to consume a placebo, or 5-g dose of creatine monohydrate within 1 h before training, or within 1 h after training for 8 weeks, while completing a weekly resistance training program. Participants co-ingested 25-gram doses of both whey protein isolate and maltodextrin along with each assigned supplement dose. Body composition, muscular strength, and endurance, along with isometric mid-thigh pull were assessed before and after the 8-week supplementation period. A 3 × 2 mixed factorial (group x time) ANOVA with repeated measures on time were used to evaluate differences. All groups experienced similar and statistically significant increases in fat free mass (+1.34 ± 3.48 kg, p = 0.04), upper (+2.21 ± 5.69 kg, p = 0.04) and lower body strength (+7.32 ± 10.01 kg, p < 0.001), and decreases in body mass (-1.09 ± 2.71 kg, p = 0.03), fat mass (-2.64 ± 4.16 kg, p = 0.001), and percent body fat (-2.85 ± 4.39 kg, p < 0.001). The timing of creatine monohydrate did not exert any additional influence over the measured outcomes.

Creatine Supplementation Improves Muscular Performance without Additional Impact on the Cardiovascular System in Trained Women

Creatine monohydrate supplementation in females is largely under-represented in the literature, and their potentially differential hemodynamic responses are unknown. Methods: Twenty-eight resistance-trained women (25.5 ± 6.1 years, 59.7 ± 6.3 kg, 163 ± 5 cm) were randomly assigned to the supplement creatine monohydrate (CRE; 5 g creatine monohydrate + 5 g dextrose) or placebo (PLA; 10 g dextrose) four times per day for 7 days in a double-blind fashion. Each subject subsequently completed resistance training sessions (3 × week) for four weeks with four sets to muscular failure of both half-squat and leg press exercises. The change in body mass (BM), exercise repetition number (REP), rated perceived exertion (RPE), and cardiovascular variables were assessed (sessions 1, 6, and 12). Statistical analyses were performed at a significance level of p ≤ 0.05. Results: Analyses revealed a significant CRE-specific BM increase (p = 0.013), as well as significantly greater half-squat (p = 0.006) and leg press (p = 0.017) REP per set versus PLA. Additionally, CRE demonstrated significantly lower relative RPE values at session 12 compared with previous sessions. Any significant main or interaction effects were observed for the studied cardiovascular variable. Conclusions: The present data substantiate the creatine’s efficacy to improve muscular performance in females while demonstrating the safety of combined creatine monohydrate supplementation and resistance training on cardiovascular parameters.

Combined Upper Limb Exercise and Creatine Monohydrate Supplementation Improved Musculoskeletal Function in NSCLC Patients

Background: Lung cancer is a chronic respiratory disease that causes muscle dysfunction. Giving creatine monohydrate supplementation combined with exercise has efficacy in increasing lean body mass (LBM), muscle strength, and physical function. This study aims to analyze the effect of a combination of creatine monohydrate supplementation and upper limb exercise on skeletal muscle dysfunction in NSCLC patients.Methods: A quasi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest study on NSCLC patients given epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) – tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) from outpatient at RSUD Dr. Moewardi Surakarta in September - October 2021. The combination group of creatine monohydrate supplementation with upper limb exercise (n=15), the group with creatine monohydrate supplementation only (n=16), and the control group (n=15). Lean body mass in kilograms and percentages, 6-minute walk test (6MWT), and quality of life were assessed after 8 weeks of treatment.Results: The increase in LBM in the combination group was 4.22±1.81kg and 6.38±2.48% (P=0.0001). The combination groups have a greater increase in the 6MWT was 104±20.07 meters. The increase in quality of life in the combined creatine monohydrate supplementation group with upper limb exercise was 20.80±10.75. Changes in the value of LBM, 6MWT, and quality of life (QoL) in the creatine monohydrate supplementation combined with upper limb exercise were significantly different compared to the creatine monohydrate supplementation only group and the control groups.Conclusion: There is a greater effect of giving a combination of creatine monohydrate supplementation and upper limb exercise on LBM, 6MWT, and QoL in NSCLC patients.