Short-term Creatine Supplementation Research Articles

Effects of acute creatine supplementation on cardiac and vascular responses in older men; a randomized controlled trial

In the recent years creatine has been shown promising results in patients with neurodegenerative diseases, myopathies and dystrophies. Cardiovascular diseases could be another pathology that can benefit from creatine supplementation, considering the influence on the risk factors associated with the development of cardiovascular diseases including reduction in chronic inflammation, and improved control of hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of short-term creatine supplementation on cardiac and vascular health in older adults. Males between the ages of 55-80 were randomly assigned to three groups: creatine, placebo and control. Creatine or placebo was provided for 7-day supplementation, at a dose of 20g/day. Testing was performed at the same time of the day at baseline and on the eighth day. Vascular responses were assessed using an arterial pulse wave velocity equipment, while cardiac assessment was performed using an impedance cardiography device. The placebo group was older (71.1±8.2yr) compared to creatine (61.4±5.2yr) and control (62.5±7.1yr). Cardio-ankle vascular index improved just in the creatine group (8.7±0.5 to 8.2±0.5, p=0.03). While the upstroke time of the placebo and control groups did not change after 7 days, the creatine group had a nonsignificant reduction, 178.9±26.5ms to 158.4±28.6ms, p=0.07. Similar tendency was seen with the systolic blood pressures, while the placebo and control did not change, the creatine group showed nonsignificant improvement, especially on the right, 144.0±12.7mmHg to 136.1±13.4mmHg, p=0.08. All three groups had similar responses in stroke volume (p=0.61), contractility index (p=0.64) and ejection fraction (p=0.72). In older adults, acute creatine supplementation can positively affect vascular parameters of arterial stiffness and atherosclerosis. Creatine supplementation has the potential to serve as a potent adjuvant in the management of CVD for older adults. clinicaltrials.gov; ID: NCT05329480.

Short-Term Creatine Supplementation and Repeated Sprint Ability-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of short-term creatine supplementation on repeated sprint ability. Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria of adopting double-blind randomized placebo-controlled designs in which participants (age: 18-60years) completed a repeated sprint test (number of sprints: 4 < n ≤ 20; sprint duration: ≤10s; recovery duration: ≤90s) before and after supplementing with creatine or placebo for 3-7days in a dose of ∼20g/day. No exclusion restrictions were placed on the mode of exercise. Meta-analyses were completed using random-effects models, with effects on measures of peak power output, mean power output, and fatigue (performance decline) during each repeated sprint test presented as standardized mean difference (δ), and with effects on body mass and posttest blood lactate concentration presented as raw mean difference (D). Relative to placebo, creatine resulted in a significant increase in body mass (D = 0.79kg; p < .00001) and mean power output (δ = 0.61; p = .002). However, there was no effect of creatine on measures of peak power (δ = 0.41; p = .10), fatigue (δ = 0.08; p = .61), or posttest blood lactate concentration (D = 0.22L/min; p = .60). In conclusion, creatine supplementation may increase mean power output during repeated sprint tests, although the absence of corresponding effects on peak power and fatigue means that more research, with measurements of intramuscular creatine content, is necessary to confirm.

Effects of Creatine Supplementation on Lower-Limb Muscle Endurance Following an Acute Bout of Aerobic Exercise in Young Men.

We aimed to determine whether creatine supplementation influences lower-limb muscle endurance following an acute bout of aerobic exercise (AE) in young healthy men. Using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design, 11 men (26.5 ± 6.2 years, body mass index 26.6 ± 2.1 kg/m2),with 12 months of experience in strength training (three times/week) and AE (two times/week) were randomized to receive creatine (20 g/day plus 20 g/day maltodextrin) and placebo (40 g/day maltodextrin) for 7 days, separated by a washout period of 14 days, before performing an acute bout of AE (30 min on treadmill at 80% baseline maximum velocity) which was followed by four sets of bilateral leg extension endurance exercise using a 10-repetition maximum protocol (10 RM)). There was a significant decrease in the number of repetitions performed in the third (Placebo: −20% vs. Creatine: −22%) and fourth set (Placebo: −22% vs. Creatine: −28%) compared with the first set (p < 0.05), with no differences between creatine and placebo. Additionally, no differences were observed between creatine and placebo for the total number of repetitions performed across all four sets (Placebo: 33.9 ± 7.0 vs. Creatine: 34.0 ± 6.9 repetitions, p = 0.97), nor for total work volume (Placebo: 3030.5 ± 1068.2 vs. Creatine: 3039.8 ± 1087.7 kg, p = 0.98). Short-term creatine supplementation has no effect on lower-limb muscle endurance following an acute bout of aerobic exercise in trained young men.

Enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis is associated with the ameliorative action of creatine supplementation in rat soleus and cardiac muscles.

The current study focused on the effect of creatine supplementation with/without exercise on the expression of genes controlling mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal and cardiac muscles, as well as its safety profile on the liver and kidney. A total of 40 male Wister rats were included in the present study. Two unexercised groups: The control sedentary group and the sedentary creatine-treated group (n=10) were treated daily with oral creatine (0.5 g/kg per day). Two exercised groups performed swimming exercise training 5 days/week for a period of 5 weeks; The Exercise training group, and exercise training and creatine (0.5 g/kg per day) treated group. After sacrifice, blood samples, cardiac and soleus muscles were collected for assessment of mtDNA copy number, gene expression analysis and nuclear extraction for the assay of PGC-1α. The results of the current study demonstrated that, physical activity with short-term creatine supplementation increased all factors of mitochondrial biogenesis, an effect that is devoid of any kidney or liver adverse effects. Further studies are still required to explore the potential of creatine supplementation in ameliorating mitochondrial diseases, including epilepsy, skeletal and cardiac myopathies, hepatopathies and nephropathies.

Short-term creatine supplementation changes protein metabolism signaling in hindlimb suspension.

The effect of a short-term creatine supplementation on hindlimb suspension (HS)-induced muscle atrophy was investigated. Creatine monohydrate (5 g/kg b.w. per day) or placebo, divided in 2 daily doses, was given by oral gavage for 5 days. Rats were maintained in HS with dietary supplementation concomitantly for 5 days. Body weight, soleus and EDL muscle masses, and cross-sectional areas (CSA) of the muscle fibers were measured. Signaling pathways associated with skeletal muscle mass regulation (FST, MSTN, FAK, IGF-1, MGF, Akt, mTOR, atrogin-1, and MuRF1 expressions, and Akt, S6, GSK3B, and 4EBP1 proteins) were evaluated in the muscles. Soleus muscle exhibited more atrophy than the EDL muscle due to HS. Creatine supplementation attenuated the decrease of wet weight and increased p-4EBP1 protein in the EDL muscle of HS rats. Also, creatine increased mTOR and atrogin-1 expressions in the same muscle and condition. In the absence of HS, creatine supplementation increased FAK and decreased MGF expressions in the EDL muscle. Creatine attenuated the increase in FST expression due to HS in the soleus muscle. MuRF1 expression increased in the soleus muscle due to creatine supplementation in HS animals whereas atrogin-1 expression increased still further in this group compared with untreated HS rats. In conclusion, short-term creatine supplementation changed protein metabolism signaling in soleus and EDL muscles. However, creatine supplementation only slightly attenuated the mass loss of both muscles and did not prevent the CSA reduction and muscle strength decrease induced by HS for 5 days.

The effects of short time monohydrate creatine supplementation on systemic stress homeostasis following repeated maximum swimming in young women

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of short-term creatine supplementation on oxidative stress and antioxidant enzymes after six bouts of 50-meter sprint swimming. Methods: This quasi-experimental study recruited eight trained female swimmers with the mean age of 25±4.4 years and body mass index (BMI) of 21.8±4.2 kg/m2 to perform six bouts of 50-meter sprint swimming with a 120-second active recovery in water. Then, subjects consumed Cr supplement (capsules containing 5 g monohydrate creatine), four times a day for six days. Blood samples were taken in resting position after the sixth bout of swimming before and following Cr supplementation period. Protein carbonyl (PC) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) concentration were measured using ELISA method. Result: Sprint swimming significantly increased PC concentration compared to resting state, but an insignificant increase was detected after Cr supplementation. In addition, sprint swimming led to a significant reduction in SOD levels after creatine supplementation compared to pre-test. Swimmers’ records after creatine supplementation in sixth bout of sprint swimming was also lower compared to the first bout. Conclusion: Cr supplementation can inhibit increased oxidative stress markers induced by high-intensity and short-duration exercise in trained female swimmers.

Effect of low dose, short-term creatine supplementation on muscle power output in elite youth soccer players

BackgroundTo determine the effects of a low dose, short-term Creatine monohydrate (Cr) supplementation (0.03 g.kg.d−1 during 14 d) on muscle power output in elite youth soccer players.MethodsUsing a two-group matched, double blind, placebo-controlled design, nineteen male soccer players (mean age = 17.0 ± 0.5 years) were randomly assigned to either Cr (N = 9) or placebo (N = 10) group. Before and after supplementation, participants performed a 30s Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT) to assess peak power output (PPO), mean power output (MPO), fatigue index (FI), and total work.ResultsThere were significant increases in both PPO and MPO after the Cr supplementation period (P ≤ 0.05) but not the placebo period. There were also significant increases in total work, but not FI, after the Cr supplementation and placebo periods (P ≤ 0.05). Notably, there were differences in total work between the Cr and placebo groups after (P ≤ 0.05) but not before the 14 d supplementation period.ConclusionThere is substantial evidence to indicate that a low-dose, short-term oral Cr supplementation beneficially affected muscle power output in elite youth soccer players.

Short-term creatine supplementation has no impact on upper-body anaerobic power in trained wrestlers.

BackgroundCreatine (CR) is considered an effective nutritional supplement having ergogenic effects, which appears more pronounced in upper-body compared to lower-body exercise. Nevertheless, results regarding the impact of CR loading on repeated high-intensity arm-cranking exercise are scarce and in some cases conflicting. Interestingly, few of the conducted studies have structured their research designs to mimic real world sporting events. Therefore, our purpose was to address the hypothesis that CR ingestion would increase anaerobic power output in consecutive upper-body intermittent sprint performance (UBISP) tests designed to simulate wrestling matches on a competition-day.MethodsIn a double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study, 20 trained wrestlers were assigned to either placebo or CR supplemented group (0.3 g ∙ kg−1 of body mass per day). Four 6-min UBISP tests interspersed with 30-min recovery periods were performed before (trial 1) and after 5 days (trial 2) of supplementation. Each test consisted of six 15-s periods of arm-cranking at maximal executable cadence against resistance of 0.04 kg ∙ kg−1 body mass interspersed with 40-s unloaded easy cranking periods and 5-s acceleration intervals (T1–T4). Mean power (MP), peak power (PP), fatigue index and heart rate parameters were measured during UBISP tests. Also, body weight and hydration status were assessed. Principle measures were statistical analysed with mixed-model ANOVAs.ResultsMean individual CR consumption in the CR group was 24.8 ± 2.5 g ∙ d−1. No significant (P > 0.05) differences occurred in body mass or hydration status indices between the groups or across trials. MP, PP and fatigue index responses were unaffected by supplementation; although, a significant reduction in MP and PP did occurred from T1 to T4 in both trial 1 and 2 (P < 0.001). Overall heart rate responses in the tests tended to be higher in the CR than PLC group (P < 0.05); but, trends in responses in trials and tests were comparable (P > 0.05).ConclusionThese results suggest that 5-day CR supplementation has no impact on upper-body muscle anaerobic power output in consecutive UBISP anaerobic tests mimicking wrestling matches on a competition day.

Effects of short term creatine supplementation and resistance exercises on resting hormonal and cardiovascular responses

Summary Introduction The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of 3, 5 and 7 days of creatine loading coupled with resistance exercise on resting testosterone and cortisol concentrations, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate and rate pressure product (RPP). These measures were compared to those in placebo group. Summary of facts Twenty active males were randomly assigned to either a creatine group (Cr) or placebo group (Pl). Participants performed resistance exercises at day 3, 5, and 7; and also tested at day 4, 6, and 8. Subjects of the Cr group showed significant increases in testosterone concentrations and decreases in cortisol concentrations, in comparison with Pl and baseline, after 5 and 7 days of Cr loading (P 0.05). Conclusion Results of the present study suggest that more than 5 days of creatine supplementation, associated with resistance exercises is sufficient for increasing testosterone concentrations and decrement in cortisol concentrations.

Short-term Creatine Supplementation Suppresses the Cortisol Response to a High-Intensity Swim-Sprint Workout

Short-term Creatine Supplementation Suppresses the Cortisol Response to a High-Intensity Swim-Sprint Workout

Effects of Creatine Monohydrate Supplementation on Simulated Soccer Performance

To determine the effects of acute short-term creatine (Cr) supplementation on physical performance during a 90-min soccer-specific performance test. A double-blind, placebo-controlled experimental design was adopted during which 16 male amateur soccer players were required to consume 20 g/d Cr for 7 d or a placebo. A Ball-Sport Endurance and Speed Test (BEAST) comprising measures of aerobic (circuit time), speed (12- and 20-m sprint), and explosive-power (vertical jump) abilities performed over 90 min was performed presupplementation and postsupplementation. Performance measures during the BEAST deteriorated during the second half relative to the first for both Cr (1.2-2.3%) and placebo (1.0-2.2%) groups, indicating a fatigue effect associated with the BEAST. However, no significant differences existed between groups, suggesting that Cr had no performance-enhancing effect or ability to offset fatigue. When effect sizes were considered, some measures (12-m sprint, -0.53 ± 0.69; 20-m sprint, -0.39 ± 0.59) showed a negative tendency, indicating chances of harm were greater than chances of benefit. Acute short-term Cr supplementation has no beneficial effect on physical measures obtained during a 90-min soccer-simulation test, thus bringing into question its potential as an effective ergogenic aid for soccer players.

Short-term creatine supplementation does not reduce increased homocysteine concentration induced by acute exercise in humans

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effects of creatine supplementation on homocysteine (Hcy) plasma levels after acute exercise in humans. Twenty-three young (under-20) soccer players were divided into 2 groups: creatine (Cr)- and placebo (Pla)-supplemented groups. The supplementation was performed in double-blind controlled manner using creatine or placebo tablets with 0.3 g/kg during 7 days. Before and after 7 days of supplementation, the athletes performed an acute high-intensity sprint exercise (two consecutive running-based anaerobic sprint test protocol consisted in 6 × 35 m sprint with 10 s between them). Blood samples were collected before and after 7 days of supplementation as well as 0 and 1 h after exercise protocol. Homocysteine concentration significant increased (P < 0.05) 1 h after acute exercise (18%). Acute exercise also decreased red blood cell S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) 30% with no changes in SAM/SAH ratio. Seven days of creatine supplementation were able to increase (P < 0.05) plasma creatine concentration (Pla 130.1 ± 21.7 vs Cr 1,557.2 ± 220.3 μmol/L) as well as decrease (P < 0.05) plasma guanidinoacetic acid (33%). Controversially, creatine supplementation did not change Hcy plasma level after 7-day supplementation (Pla 6.9 ± 0.2 vs Cr 7.2 ± 0.2 μmol/L) or after acute exercise (Pla 8.2 ± 0.3 vs Cr 8.4 ± 0.3 μmol/L). No changes in plasma vitamin B12 and folate as well as cysteine and methionine were found. Seven days of creatine supplementation does not avoid increased plasma Hcy induced by acute sprint exercise in humans.

Erratum to: Short-term creatine supplementation decreases reactive oxygen species content with no changes in expression and activity of antioxidant enzymes in skeletal muscle

Erratum to: Short-term creatine supplementation decreases reactive oxygen species content with no changes in expression and activity of antioxidant enzymes in skeletal muscle

Effects of Short-Term Creatine Monohydrate Supplementation on Resistance Exercise Induced Cellular Damage in Male Wrestlers

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study was to identify the effect of short-term creatine (Cr) supplementation and a resistance exercise training session on changes in total serum cellular damage indices - creatine kinase (CK) & lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in male wrestlers. Methods: Using a quasi-experimental, randomized and double-blind design, 18 collegiate male wrestlers were equally divided into supplement and placebo groups. After six consecutive days of supplementation (0.3 gkgday−1) Cr or dextrose), all subjects participated in a single-session circuit resistance exercise protocol (with 80% 1-RM in 3 sets with 6 repetition) consisting of six stations. Changes in cellular damage indices were determined in three stages (before and after the supplement stage, and 24 hours after the exercise protocol). The normal data were expressed as mean (±SD) and analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Bonferroni and independent t test at α≤0.05. Results: The results show that the creatine loading has only significant effect ...

Short-term creatine supplementation decreases reactive oxygen species content with no changes in expression and activity of antioxidant enzymes in skeletal muscle

The effect of short-term creatine (Cr) supplementation upon content of skeletal muscle-derived-reactive oxygen species (ROS) was investigated. Wistar rats were supplemented with Cr (5g/kg BW) or vehicle, by gavage, for 6days. Soleus and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles were removed and incubated for evaluation of ROS content using Amplex-UltraRed reagent. The analysis of expression and activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase 1 and 2, catalase and glutathione peroxidase) were performed. Direct scavenger action of Cr on superoxide radical and hydrogen peroxide was also investigated. Short-term Cr supplementation attenuated ROS content in both soleus and EDL muscles (by 41 and 33.7%, respectively). Cr supplementation did not change expression and activity of antioxidant enzymes. Basal TBARS content was not altered by Cr supplementation. In cell-free experiments, Cr showed a scavenger effect on superoxide radical in concentrations of 20 and 40mM, but not on hydrogen peroxide. These results indicate that Cr supplementation decreases ROS content in skeletal muscle possibly due to a direct action of Cr molecule on superoxide radical.

Effect of creatine plus caffeine supplements on time to exhaustion during an incremental maximum exercise

This study investigated the effects of acute caffeine ingestion following short-term creatine supplementation on an incremental cycling to exhaustion task. Twelve active males performed the task under three conditions: baseline condition (BASE, no ergogenic aid), creatine plus caffeine condition (CRE + CAF), and creatine with placebo condition (CRE + PLA). Following the establishment of BASE condition, participants were administered CRE + CAF (0.3 g·kg−1·day−1 of creatine for 5 days followed by 6 mg·kg−1 of caffeine 1 h prior to testing) and CRE + PLA (0.3 g·kg−1·day−1 of creatine for 5 days followed by 6 mg·kg−1 of placebo 1 h prior to testing) in a double-blind, randomized crossover and counterbalancing protocol. No significant differences were observed in relative maximal oxygen consumption ([Vdot]O2max) (51.7±5.5, 52.8±4.9 and 51.3±5.6 ml·kg−1·min−1 for BASE, CRE + CAF and CRE + PLA, respectively; P>0.05) and absolute [Vdot]O2max (3.6±0.4, 3.7±0.4 and 3.5±0.5 l·min−1 for BASE, CRE + CAF and CRE + PLA, respectively; P>0.05). Blood samples indicated significantly higher blood lactate and glucose concentrations in the CRE + CAF among those in the BASE or CRE + PLA condition during the test (P<0.05). The time to exhaustion on a cycling ergometer was significantly longer for CRE + CAF (1087.2±123.9 s) compared with BASE (1009.2±86.0 s) or CRE + PLA (1040.3±96.1 s). This study indicated that a single dose of caffeine following short-term creatine supplementation did not hinder the creatine–caffeine interaction. In fact, it lengthened the time to exhaustion during an incremental maximum exercise test. However, this regime might lead to the accumulation of lactate in the blood.

The effects of creatine supplementation on performance and hormonal response in amateur swimmers

Summary Objectives The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of short-term creatine supplementation on sprint swimming performance (50 and 100 m) and hormonal responses (growth hormone, testosterone and cortisol). Methods Twenty amateur male swimmers ingested creatine monohydrate (CR) or a matched placebo (PL) for 6 days. All subjects performed 6 days, swimming exercise. The subjects were tested for performance and hormonal responses the day before and after this creatine loading. Results The mean swimming time of CR group in 50 m was significantly decreased (Before-period: 53.1 ± 3.73 s, after-period: 50.7 ± 2.84 s). Growth hormone and cortisol were not affected by this creatine loading. But, testosterone concentration was significantly greater in CR compared to PL after supplementation period ( P Conclusions Our data suggest that short-term creatine supplementation has improved 50 m sprint performance in amateur swimmer and it seems unlikely creatine loading is hormonally mediated.

The effect of a short-term creatine supplementation on some of the anaerobic performance and sprint swimming records of female competitive swimmers

This study investigated the effect of creatine supplementation on some of the anaerobic performance and sprint swimming records of 20 female competitive swimmers across 6 days training. The 17- to 26-year-olds were randomly assigned, in a doubleblind fashion, to either a creatine treatment group (CT) (n=10) or placebo control group (PC) (n=10). During the phase, the CT group ingested 5g of creatine monohydrate 4 times each day. The PC group followed the same administration schedule but consumed a glucose placebo. All 20 athletes participated in a conditioning program focusing on swimming training. Measures were taken before administration of creatine began, and also at the conclusion of the study, of 1-repetition-maximum bench press capacity, and vertical jump (VJ) ability, 60 yard dash and swimming time for 25 and 50 m. For CT group, bench press and VJ results and 60 yard dash improved significantly during the study, though their swimming records improved but they were not significantly greater than among the PC group, p<0.05. Further, the PC group had not any significant difference. The findings suggest that creatine supplementation in conjunction with a good conditioning program can improve athletic performance in female competitive swimmers.

The effects of creatine supplementation on sprint running performance and selected hormonal responses

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of short-term creatine supplementation on sprint running performance (100 and 200 m) and circulating hormone [growth hormone (GH), testosterone and cortisol] concentrations. Twenty amateur male runners were randomly divided into a creatine supplementation group, or placebo group. Subjects were provided with capsules containing either creatine monohydrate or identical powdered cellulose placebo. Daily creatine monohydrate supplementation was 20 g/day parceled into three equal dosages to be consumed with each major meal. Subjects were tested for performance and resting blood hormone concentrations before and after six days. A double-blind research design was employed in this study. After this creatine loading, the mean running performance time of the creatine supplementation group decreased significantly in the 100 m, but not the 200 m. Serum GH, testosterone, and cortisol concentrations were not affected by creatine supplementation. It can therefore be concluded that although short-term creatine supplementation was found to improve sprint performance in the 100 m in amateur runners, this performance improvement did not appear to be hormonally mediated.Key words: Sprint performance; Creatine supplementation; Hormonal responses; Creatine loading.

Effect of Short-term High-Dose Creatine Supplementation on Measured GFR in a Young Man With a Single Kidney

It currently is unknown whether creatine supplementation is safe for people with or at risk of kidney disease. We report on the short-term effects of creatine supplementation on kidney function in a young man with a single kidney and mildly decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR). A 20-year-old man who had undergone unilateral nephrectomy and presented with mildly decreased GFR without kidney damage underwent a trial with 35 days of creatine supplementation (20 g/d for 5 days followed by 5 g/d for the next 30 days) and had his kidney function monitored. After the intervention, (51)Cr-EDTA clearance (pre, 81.6 mL/min/1.73 m(2); post, 82.0 mL/min/1.73 m(2)), proteinuria (protein excretion: pre, 130 mg/d; post, 120 mg/d), and electrolyte levels were unchanged. Albuminuria, serum urea level, and estimated creatinine clearance were decreased (pre, 4.6 mg/d; post, 2.9 mg/d; pre, 37 mg/d; post, 28 mg/dL; and pre, 88 mL/min/1.73 m(2); post, 71 mL/min/1.73 m(2), respectively), whereas serum creatinine level was slightly increased (pre, 1.03 mg/dL; post, 1.27 mg/dL), falsely suggesting kidney function impairment. This prospective report suggests that short-term creatine supplementation may not affect kidney function in an individual with a single kidney, mild decreased GFR, and ingesting a high-protein diet (ie, 2.8 g/kg/d). This finding has great relevance considering that creatine-induced kidney disease has been a growing concern, even for healthy people.