Effects of creatine supplementation on repetitive sprint performance and body composition in competitive swimmers

Int J Sport Nutr. 1997 Dec;7(4):330-46. doi: 10.1123/ijsn.7.4.330.

Abstract

In a double-blind and randomized manner, 18 male and female junior competitive swimmers supplemented their diets with 21 g.day-1 of creatine monohydrate (Cr) or a maltodextrin placebo (P) for 9 days during training. Prior to and following supplementation, subjects performed three 100-m freestyle sprint swims (long course) with 60 s rest/recovery between heats. In addition, subjects performed three 20-s arm ergometer maximal-effort sprint tests in the prone position with 60 s rest/recovery between sprint tests. Significant differences were observed among swim times, with Cr subjects swimming significantly faster than P subjects following supplementation in Heat 1 and significantly decreasing swim time in the second 100-m sprint. There was also some evidence that cumulative time to perform the three 100-m swims was decreased in the Cr group. Results indicate that 9 days of Cr supplementation during swim training may provide some ergogenic value to competitive junior swimmers during repetitive sprint performance.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Body Composition / drug effects*
  • Creatine / administration & dosage*
  • Creatine / pharmacology
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Exercise / physiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Muscle Contraction / drug effects
  • Physical Exertion / drug effects
  • Swimming / physiology*

Substances

  • Creatine