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Creatine supplementation enhances endurance performance in trained rats
Steven K Malin1, Nancy Cotugna
1Department of Kinesiology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA. smalin@kin.umass.edu
Journal of Dietary Supplements
|March 22, 2012
Summary
Creatine (Cr) supplementation significantly improved running endurance in trained rats, increasing distance run by 81%. This suggests potential benefits for endurance athletes seeking enhanced performance.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Nutritional Science
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Limited evidence exists on creatine (Cr) supplementation's impact on endurance performance.
- Previous studies show minimal effects in humans and rats.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of Cr supplementation on high-intensity exercise endurance in trained male rats.
- To determine if Cr enhances running performance.
Main Methods:
- Rats were divided into a Cr treatment group (n=7) and a control group (n=6).
- Cr was administered daily for 28 days.
- Running performance was assessed over 16 days within the 28-day period, measuring distance run.
Main Results:
- The Cr group showed a significant increase in average distance run from baseline to day 16 (128.91m to 217.11m, p < 0.005).
- The control group's running distance did not significantly change (137.24m to 101.04m, p > 0.05).
- Overall, the Cr group's running endurance improved by 81% compared to baseline (p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Creatine supplementation enhanced running endurance in trained rats.
- Results indicate Cr may improve the ability to run farther.
- This finding suggests potential implications for improving endurance athletes' performance.
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