Influence of creatine monohydrate ingestion on muscle metabolites and intense exercise capacity in individuals with multiple sclerosis.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effectiveness of ingesting creatine monohydrate in elevating intramuscular creatine stores and improving exercise capacity in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS).


METHODS
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, pre-posttrial.


METHODS
A university-based exercise physiology laboratory.


METHODS
Sixteen individuals with relapsing-remitting MS (median Expanded Disability Status Scale score, 4.75; range, 1.5-6.0).


METHODS
Eight individuals with MS were randomized to the creatine group (20g/d of creatine monohydrate for 5d), and 8 others were randomized to the placebo group. Needle biopsies were performed on the vastus lateralis at rest before and after treatment. Subjects performed 3 bouts of 30 maximal knee extensions and flexions at 180 degrees /s with 1 minute of recovery between bouts before and after treatment.


METHODS
Intramuscular total creatine, phosphocreatine, free creatine, and total work output.


RESULTS
Creatine ingestion did not significantly elevate intramuscular total creatine, phosphocreatine, or free creatine or improve total work production.


CONCLUSIONS
Creatine ingestion had no significant effect on muscle creatine stores or high-intensity exercise capacity in individuals with MS.
Lambert
Charles P
CP
Nutrition, Metabolism, and Exercise Laboratory, Donald W. Reynolds Department of Geriatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA. LamberCharlesP@uams.edu
Archer
R Lee
RL
Carrithers
John A
JA
Fink
William J
WJ
Evans
William J
WJ
Trappe
Todd A
TA
D000328:Adult; D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000379:methods; D003401:Creatine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D016552:Ergometry / Q000379:methods; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology; D017079:Exercise Tolerance / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000378:metabolism*; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000378:metabolism*; D010725:Phosphocreatine / Q000032:analysis; D015990:Placebo Effect; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D010725:Phosphocreatine; D003401:Creatine