Effect of creatine supplementation as a potential adjuvant therapy to exercise training in cardiac patients: a randomized controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of oral creatine supplementation in conjunction with an exercise programme on physical fitness in patients with coronary artery disease or chronic heart failure.


METHODS
Single centre double-blind randomized placebo controlled trial.


METHODS
Cardiac rehabilitation centre.


METHODS
70 (4 women) cardiac patients (age 57.5 (8.4) years) were randomized to a placebo (n = 37) or creatine (n = 33) treatment for three months. Combined aerobic endurance and resistance training (three sessions/ week) was performed during supplementation.


METHODS
Aerobic power was determined during graded bicycle testing, knee extensor peak isometric and isokinetic strength, endurance and recovery were assessed by an isokinetic dynamometer, and health related quality of life was evaluated with the SF-36 and MacNew Heart Disease questionnaires. In addition, blood samples were taken after an overnight fast and 24 hour urinary collection was performed.


RESULTS
At baseline there were no significant differences between both groups. We observed main time effects for aerobic power, muscle performance, health related quality of life, high density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides (pre vs post; P<0.05 for all). However, changes after training were similar between placebo group and creatine group (P>0.05). Further, no detrimental effect on renal or liver function was observed nor were there any reports of side effects.


CONCLUSIONS
Oral creatine supplementation in combination with exercise training does not exert any additional effect on the improvement in physical performance, health related quality of life, lipid profile in patients with coronary artery disease or chronic heart failure than exercise training alone.
Cornelissen
V A
VA
Cardiovascular Rehabilitation Unit, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, K.U.Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
Defoor
J G M
JG
Stevens
A
A
Schepers
D
D
Hespel
P
P
Decramer
M
M
Mortelmans
L
L
Dobbels
F
F
Vanhaecke
J
J
Fagard
R H
RH
Vanhees
L
L
D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003401:Creatine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology; D055070:Resistance Training; D018434:Sickness Impact Profile
D003401:Creatine