Creatine supplementation prevents acute strength loss induced by concurrent exercise.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of creatine (CR) supplementation on the acute interference induced by aerobic exercise on subsequent maximum dynamic strength (1RM) and strength endurance (SE, total number of repetitions) performance.


METHODS
Thirty-two recreationally strength-trained men were submitted to a graded exercise test to determine maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max: 41.56 ± 5.24 ml kg(-1) min(-1)), anaerobic threshold velocity (ATv: 8.3 ± 1.18 km h(-1)), and baseline performance (control) on the 1RM and SE (4 × 80 % 1RM to failure) tests. After the control tests, participants were randomly assigned to either a CR (20 g day(-1) for 7 days followed by 5 g day(-1) throughout the study) or a placebo (PL-dextrose) group, and then completed 4 experimental sessions, consisting of a 5-km run on a treadmill either continuously (90 % ATv) or intermittently (1:1 min at vVO2max) followed by either a leg- or bench-press SE/1RM test.


RESULTS
CR was able to maintain the leg-press SE performance after the intermittent aerobic exercise when compared with C (p > 0.05). On the other hand, the PL group showed a significant decrease in leg-press SE (p ≤ 0.05). CR supplementation significantly increased bench-press SE after both aerobic exercise modes, while the bench-press SE was not affected by either mode of aerobic exercise in the PL group. Although small increases in 1RM were observed after either continuous (bench press and leg press) or intermittent (bench press) aerobic exercise in the CR group, they were within the range of variability of the measurement. The PL group only maintained their 1RM.


CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion, the acute interference effect on strength performance observed in concurrent exercise may be counteracted by CR supplementation.
School of Physical Education and Sport, University of Sao Paulo, Av Prof. Mello Moraes, 65-Butantã, São Paulo, SP, 05508-030, Brazil.
Vítor
V
de Salles Painelli
Victor Tavares
VT
Alves
Carlos
C
Ugrinowitsch
Fabiana Braga
FB
Benatti
Guilherme Giannini
GG
Artioli
Antonio Herbert
AH
Lancha
Bruno
B
Gualano
Hamilton
H
Roschel
D000328:Adult; D015308:Anaerobic Threshold / Q000187:drug effects*; D003401:Creatine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D015444:Exercise; D017079:Exercise Tolerance / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male
D003401:Creatine