Effects of oral creatine loading on single and repeated maximal short sprints.
This investigation determined whether oral creatine (Cr) loading could enhance single and repeated short sprint performance. A 1 x 10 s cycle sprint (Study One) and 6 x 6 s (departing every 30 s) repeated cycle sprints (Study two) were the performance tests used. Separate groups of subjects, randomly assigned to either a Cr or placebo (P) group, were used in each study in a double blind design. After performing a familiarization and two baseline tests subjects loaded with 5g of Cr or P four times per day for five days before repeating the tests one and three days post-loading. In Study One (n = 9 in each group), work completed (kJ) at 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 s and peak power (W) were greater than baseline values in each of the post-loading trials in both the Cr and P groups. There were no between group performance differences. In Study Two (n = 11 in each group) after loading, the Cr group recorded significantly greater scores than the P group in total work (kJ) completed over the 6 sprints, work completed in sprint 1, and peak power (W). Post-exercise blood lactate and pH responses were not different between the Cr and P groups after loading in either study. Although Study One results are equivocal, Study Two results suggest that Cr supplementation can enhance both single (if sprint 1 results are considered in isolation) and repeated short sprint performance.
Dawson
B
B
Department of Human Movement, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.
Cutler
M
M
Moody
A
A
Lawrence
S
S
Goodman
C
C
Randall
N
N
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001642:Bicycling / Q000502:physiology*; D003401:Creatine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D016552:Ergometry; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007773:Lactates / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D010725:Phosphocreatine / Q000096:biosynthesis; D010919:Placebos; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000187:drug effects; D014937:Work
D007773:Lactates; D010919:Placebos; D010725:Phosphocreatine; D003401:Creatine