Creatine supplementation prevents acute strength loss induced by concurrent exercise

Author(s)

Painelli, Vitor de Salles ^[1] ; Alves, Victor Tavares ^[1] ; Ugrinowitsch, Carlos ^[1] ; Benatti, Fabiana Braga ^[1] ; Artioli, Guilherme Giannini ^[1] ; Lancha, Jr., Antonio Herbert ^[1] ; Gualano, Bruno ^[1] ; Roschel, Hamilton ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Phys Educ & Sport, BR-05508030 Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSIOLOGY; v. 114, n. 8, p. 1749-1755, AUG 2014.
• Web of Science Citations: 9

Abstract

Purpose 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 T hirty-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 (AT(v): 8.3 +/- 1.18 km h(-1)), and baseline performance (control) on the 1RM and SE (4 x 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 % AT(v)) or intermittently (1:1 min at vVO(2max)) 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. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/04806-0 - Effects of 12 weeks of high-intensity intermittent training on intramuscular carnosine concentrations
• Grantee: Vitor de Salles Painelli
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate