Effects of creatine supplementation on isometric force-time curve characteristics

To assess the effects of creatine monohydrate on isometric force-time curve parameters of sedentary college males aged 18-25 yr.

This double-blind study randomly assigned subjects to either a treatment (with creatine (Cr)) group (N = 11) or placebo group (P) (N = 8). The Cr group received 20 g x d(-1) of Cr for the first 5 d, in 5-g doses, four times daily (loading period) followed by a 5-g x d(-1) dose for the next 5 d (maintenance phase) and then no Cr ingestion for 7 d (washout period). Each 5-g dose was mixed with 250 mL of Gatorade. The P group received a placebo (cornstarch) following the exact same dosage regimen and protocol as the Cr group. All subjects were sedentary and had not used any nutritional supplements for 6 months before the study. Measurements of isometric force production of four muscle groups (elbow flexors and extensors; knee flexors and extensors) were characterized by a number of force-time parameters including strength (MF), time to maximal force (TMF), rate of force development (MRFD), and intermittent endurance (total impulse (TI) and percent force decrement (PFD)). Testing was done at pretreatment, after the 10-d loading and maintenance phases, and after the washout phase.

Repeated measures ANOVA indicated no significant group effect for any muscle group concerning the maximal strength parameters and only two significant time effects for the knee flexors during MF and MRFD. Similarly, there were no significant group effects for any muscle group during the endurance trials; however, there was a significant time effect concerning TI for each muscle group tested.

Our findings indicate that oral supplementation with creatine monohydrate in untrained males does not positively influence isometric strength but may enhance intermittent isometric muscular endurance.