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Effect of creatine loading on neuromuscular fatigue threshold
J Stout1, J Eckerson, K Ebersole
1Exercise Science Department, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska 68178, USA. jrstout@creighton.edu
Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)
|January 21, 2000
Summary
Creatine loading may delay neuromuscular fatigue in female athletes. This study found that creatine supplementation significantly improved physical working capacity at the fatigue threshold compared to a placebo.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Exercise Physiology
- Nutritional Biochemistry
Background:
- Neuromuscular fatigue impacts athletic performance.
- Creatine supplementation is popular among athletes.
- Understanding creatine's effect on fatigue onset is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of creatine loading on neuromuscular fatigue.
- To assess changes in electromyographic fatigue curves.
- To determine creatine's effect on the physical working capacity at the fatigue threshold (PWC(FT)).
Main Methods:
- Double-blind, randomized design with 15 female collegiate rowers.
- Supplementation with creatine (5g Cr monohydrate + 20g glucose) or placebo (20g glucose) for 5 days.
- Monitoring electromyographic fatigue curves of the vastus lateralis muscle during PWC(FT) testing.
Main Results:
- Creatine loading resulted in a significantly higher adjusted mean PWC(FT) (186 W) compared to the placebo group (155 W).
- Analysis of covariance adjusted for pre-supplementation PWC(FT) values.
- The results indicate a statistically significant effect of creatine supplementation.
Conclusions:
- Creatine loading may delay the onset of neuromuscular fatigue in female athletes.
- Supplementation with creatine monohydrate appears to enhance endurance capacity.
- Further research is warranted to explore the mechanisms and broader applications.