Effects of creatine supplementation on the onset of neuromuscular fatigue threshold and muscle strength in elderly men and women (64 - 86 years).
OBJECTIVE
This study examined the effects of 14 days of creatine supplementation on the physical working capacity at fatigue threshold (PWCFT), maximal isometric grip strength (GRIP), sit-to-stand (STS), and body weight (BW) in elderly men and women.


METHODS
Using a double blind cross-over design, fifteen men (n = 7) and women (n = 8) (age +/- SD = 74.5 +/- 6.4 yrs) were randomly assigned to either the creatine (CR) (20g.d-1 during week 1 decreasing to 10g.d-1 at week 2) or Placebo (PL) group. After a 4 to 6 week washout period, the subjects were assigned the other treatment. Before (pre) and after (post) the supplementation period, participants performed a discontinuous, cycle ergometry test to determine the PWCFT. In addition, subjects performed STS, GRIP, BW test prior to and post treatment.


METHODS
Southeastern part of the United States.


RESULTS
Significant increases in GRIP (6.7%) and PWCFT (15.6%) from pre- to post-supplementation were found for the CR (p < 0.05) treatment, but no change for the PL treatment was observed. However, no significant change (p superior 0.05) was noted for STS or BW for either treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings suggest that 14 days of CR supplementation may increase upper body grip strength and increase physical working capacity by delaying neuromuscular fatigue in the elderly men and women in this study. While more research is needed, CR supplementation may improve upper body grip strength and lower body muscle endurance which may be important for maintaining health and independent living in elderly men and women.
Stout
J R
JR
Department of Health and Exercise Science, University of Oklahoma, 115 Huston Huffman Center, 1401 Asp Ave., Norman, OK 73019, USA. jrstout@ou.edu
Sue Graves
B
B
Cramer
J T
JT
Goldstein
E R
ER
Costa
P B
PB
Smith
A E
AE
Walter
A A
AA
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D003401:Creatine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018763:Muscle Fatigue / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis
D003401:Creatine