Effects of creatine supplementation on high-intensity intermittent exercise: discrepancies and methodological appraisals

Authors

  • Bruno Gualano Escola de Educação Física e Esporte da USP. São Paulo. Brasil.
  • Fabiana Braga Benatti Escola de Educação Física e Esporte da USP. São Paulo. Brasil.
  • Júlio César Batista Ferreira Escola de Educação Física e Esporte da USP. São Paulo. Brasil.
  • Emerson Franchini Escola de Educação Física e Esporte da USP. São Paulo. Brasil.
  • Patrícia Chackur Brum Escola de Educação Física e Esporte da USP. São Paulo. Brasil.
  • Antonio Herbert Lancha Junior Escola de Educação Física e Esporte da USP. São Paulo. Brasil.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/1980-0037.2008v10n2p189

Abstract

After a brief review of the literature on the effects of creatine supplementation on high-intensity intermittent exercise performance, the main aim of this study was to discuss methodological differences between studies which could explain the discrepancies observed in the literature. The effects of creatine supplementation on high-intensity intermittent exercise performance have been investigated in depth. Although the results of much research demonstrates the effi cacy of this supplement, there is just as much evidence that does not support this ergogenic effect. The explanation for this divergence appears to be multifactorial, although it is always linked to methodological characteristics. Study design (crossover or parallel groups), individual variability of muscular creatine content, chronic high meat intake, sample size, exercise protocol characteristics (body weight dependence and time between series), and gender and age all differ between studies and are potentially the variables responsible, to differing extents, for the discrepancies observed in the literature. Studies involving young males, with parallel group design, adequate statistical power, control of the incorporation of creatine into muscles, food intake assessment and intermittent exercise protocols in which performance is independent of body weight and with rest-recovery intervals of 1 to 6 minutes, usually produce positive results. The many methodological factors which can contribute to divergence on the ergogenic effects of creatine should be considered in futures studies, as well as when prescribing creatine supplementation.

Author Biographies

Bruno Gualano, Escola de Educação Física e Esporte da USP. São Paulo. Brasil.

Mais informações:
Currículo Lattes

Fabiana Braga Benatti, Escola de Educação Física e Esporte da USP. São Paulo. Brasil.

Mais informações:
Currículo Lattes

Júlio César Batista Ferreira, Escola de Educação Física e Esporte da USP. São Paulo. Brasil.

Mais informações:
Currículo Lattes

Emerson Franchini, Escola de Educação Física e Esporte da USP. São Paulo. Brasil.

Mais informações:
Currículo Lattes

Antonio Herbert Lancha Junior, Escola de Educação Física e Esporte da USP. São Paulo. Brasil.

Mais informações:
Currículo Lattes

Published

2008-07-18

Issue

Section

Review Articles