Creatine supplementation combined with resistance training in older men.
OBJECTIVE
To study the effect of creatine (Cr) supplementation combined with resistance training on muscular performance and body composition in older men.


METHODS
Thirty men were randomized to receive creatine supplementation (CRE, N = 16, age = 70.4 +/- 1.6 yr) or placebo (PLA, N = 14, age = 71.1 +/- 1.8 yr), using a double blind procedure. Cr supplementation consisted of 0.3-g Cr.kg(-1) body weight for the first 5 d (loading phase) and 0.07-g Cr.kg(-1) body weight thereafter. Both groups participated in resistance training (36 sessions, 3 times per week, 3 sets of 10 repetitions, 12 exercises). Muscular strength was assessed by 1-repetition maximum (1-RM) for leg press (LP), knee extension (KE), and bench press (BP). Muscular endurance was assessed by the maximum number of repetitions over 3 sets (separated by 1-min rest intervals) at an intensity corresponding to 70% baseline 1-RM for BP and 80% baseline 1-RM for the KE and LP. Average power (AP) was assessed using a Biodex isokinetic knee extension/flexion exercise (3 sets of 10 repetitions at 60 degrees.s(-1) separated by 1-min rest). Lean tissue (LTM) and fat mass were assessed using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry.


RESULTS
Compared with PLA, the CRE group had significantly greater increases in LTM (CRE, +3.3 kg; PLA, +1.3 kg), LP 1-RM (CRE, +50.1 kg; PLA +31.3 kg), KE 1-RM (CRE, +14.9 kg; PLA, +10.7 kg), LP endurance (CRE, +47 reps; PLA, +32 reps), KE endurance (CRE, +21 reps; PLA +14 reps), and AP (CRE, +26.7 W; PLA, +18 W). Changes in fat mass, fat percentage, BP 1-RM, and BP endurance were similar between groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Creatine supplementation, when combined with resistance training, increases lean tissue mass and improves leg strength, endurance, and average power in men of mean age 70 yr.
Chrusch
M J
MJ
College of Kinesiology, University of Saskatchewan, 105 Gymnasium Place, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 5C2, Canada.
Chilibeck
P D
PD
Chad
K E
KE
Davison
K S
KS
Burke
D G
DG
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001823:Body Composition / Q000187:drug effects*; D003401:Creatine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000139:chemically induced; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009120:Muscle Cramp / Q000139:chemically induced; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000187:drug effects*; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000187:drug effects*; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D014891:Weight Lifting / Q000502:physiology*
D003401:Creatine