Oral creatine supplementation enhances upper extremity work capacity in persons with cervical-level spinal cord injury.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the effects of short-term creatine monohydrate supplementation on the upper extremity work capacity of persons with cervical-level spinal cord injury (SCI).


METHODS
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design study. Consists of 2 treatment phases lasting for 7 days, separated by a 21-day washout period.


METHODS
University research laboratory trial.


METHODS
Sixteen men with complete cervical-level SCI (C5-7).


METHODS
Subjects were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups and received either 20g/d of creatine monohydrate supplement powder or placebo maltodextrin powder for the first treatment phase; the treatment was reversed in the second phase. Incremental peak arm ergometry tests, using 2-minute work stages and 1-minute recovery periods, were performed immediately before and after each treatment phase (total of 4 assessments). The initial stage was performed unloaded, with power output progressively increased 10 watts/stage until subjects had achieved volitional exhaustion.


METHODS
Peak power output, time to fatigue, heart rate, and metabolic measurements, including oxygen uptake (VO2), minute ventilation, tidal volume (VT), and respiration frequency.


RESULTS
Significantly greater values of VO2, VCO2, and VT at peak effort after creatine supplementation (P <.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Creatine supplementation enhances the exercise capacity in persons with complete cervical-level SCI and may promote greater exercise training benefits.
Jacobs
Patrick L
PL
Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
Mahoney
Edward T
ET
Cohn
Kelly A
KA
Sheradsky
Laurey F
LF
Green
Barth A
BA
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001132:Arm / Q000502:physiology*; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000293:injuries; D003401:Creatine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D017079:Exercise Tolerance / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*
D003401:Creatine