The effect and safety of short-term creatine supplementation on performance of push-ups.
The effects of short-term oral creatine (Cr) supplementation on exercise performance and on blood pressure and renal function were assessed. Thirty-five healthy, active duty, U.S. Army volunteers (20 men and 15 women; age, 22-36 years) at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, supplemented their diet for 7 days with 20 g/day of either Cr or taurine (as placebo). There was no significant difference in 2-minute push-up counts between the Cr and taurine groups from before to after supplementation (p = 0.437; power = 0.98). The Cr group demonstrated a significant increase in serum creatinine levels (p < 0.001), compared with the taurine group, and this increase could be misinterpreted as impairment of renal function. No adverse changes in blood pressure, body composition, weight, or serum Cr phosphokinase levels were observed. We conclude that short-term Cr supplementation appears to be safe but does not enhance push-up performance.
Armentano
Matthew J
MJ
Physical Therapy Department, Chinle Comprehensive Health Care Facility, Chinle, AZ 86503, USA.
Brenner
Alex K
AK
Hedman
Travis L
TL
Solomon
Zack T
ZT
Chavez
Juliann
J
Kemper
George B
GB
Salzberg
Daniel
D
Battafarano
Daniel F
DF
Christie
Douglas S
DS
D000328:Adult; D001823:Body Composition; D003401:Creatine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D017079:Exercise Tolerance / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000187:drug effects*; D018763:Muscle Fatigue / Q000187:drug effects; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000187:drug effects*; D018529:Nutritional Support; D005082:Physical Exertion / Q000187:drug effects; D010865:Pilot Projects; D010919:Placebos; D013997:Time Factors; D014891:Weight Lifting / Q000502:physiology*
D010919:Placebos; D003401:Creatine