Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 29, 2026
08:33
Induction and Assessment of Exertional Skeletal Muscle Damage in Humans
Published on: December 11, 2016
6.9K
Creatine supplementation prevents acute strength loss induced by concurrent exercise
Vítor de Salles Painelli1, Victor Tavares Alves, Carlos Ugrinowitsch
1School of Physical Education and Sport, University of Sao Paulo, Av Prof. Mello Moraes, 65-Butantã, São Paulo, SP, 05508-030, Brazil.
European Journal of Applied Physiology
|May 21, 2014
Summary
Creatine supplementation helps maintain strength endurance during concurrent aerobic and strength training. This suggests creatine can counteract the negative effects of combining different exercise types on performance.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Nutrition
- Human Performance
Background:
- Concurrent exercise, combining aerobic and strength training, can lead to interference effects, potentially impairing performance in one or both modalities.
- Creatine supplementation is widely used to enhance high-intensity exercise performance, but its role in mitigating concurrent training interference is less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of creatine supplementation on the acute interference of aerobic exercise on subsequent dynamic strength and strength endurance.
- To determine if creatine can mitigate performance decrements when strength training follows aerobic exercise.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-two recreationally strength-trained men participated in a study involving graded exercise tests and baseline strength assessments.
- Participants were randomized into creatine (CR) or placebo (PL) groups, receiving supplementation for 7 days followed by maintenance doses.
- Experimental sessions involved treadmill running (continuous or intermittent) followed by leg-press or bench-press strength endurance (SE) and one-repetition maximum (1RM) tests.
Main Results:
- Creatine supplementation maintained leg-press strength endurance after intermittent aerobic exercise, unlike the placebo group which showed a significant decrease.
- Bench-press strength endurance was significantly enhanced by creatine supplementation following both continuous and intermittent aerobic exercise.
- While creatine showed minor increases in 1RM, the placebo group only maintained their 1RM, indicating a potential benefit of creatine for maximal strength preservation.
Conclusions:
- Creatine supplementation may counteract the acute interference effect on strength performance commonly observed in concurrent exercise protocols.
- This finding suggests creatine can be a beneficial ergogenic aid for individuals engaging in combined aerobic and strength training regimens.
More Related Videos
07:40Impact of High-intensity Interval Exercise and Moderate-Intensity Continuous Exercise on the Cardiac Troponin T Level at an Early Stage of Training
Published on: October 10, 2019
6.8K
12:59Improving Strength, Power, Muscle Aerobic Capacity, and Glucose Tolerance through Short-term Progressive Strength Training Among Elderly People
Published on: July 5, 2017
12.0K
Related Concept Videos
01:24Muscle Recovery and Fatigue
4.4K
Muscle fatigue refers to the decline in a muscle's ability to maintain the force of contraction after prolonged activity. It primarily stems from changes within muscle fibers. Even before experiencing muscle fatigue, one may feel tired and have the urge to stop the activity. This response, known as central fatigue, occurs due to changes in the central nervous system, namely the brain and spinal cord. While there is no single mechanism that induces fatigue, it may serve as a protective...
4.4K
01:20Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
6.6K
Exercise significantly impacts cardiovascular response, which is crucial for understanding patient health and designing effective treatment plans.
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
6.6K
01:27Exercise and Muscle Performance
6.2K
Exercise induces a range of adaptations in muscle tissue, depending on the type and duration of activity. Such physical training can be broadly categorized into two types: endurance exercises and resistance exercises.
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
6.2K
01:25Energy Supply for Muscle Contraction
5.3K
Skeletal muscle fibers have the unique ability to switch between rest and contraction states, using different sources of ATP for energy. The contraction cycle and Ca2+ transport back into the sarcoplasmic reticulum for relaxation require significant ATP. However, the ATP reserves in muscle fibers are limited and can only sustain contractions for a few seconds. Additional ATP production becomes necessary for prolonged contractions. As a result, muscle fibers generate ATP through various sources,...
5.3K
01:21Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Adverse Effects
1.2K
Skeletal muscle relaxants are widely used for muscle paralysis and relieving pain following any muscle injury or stiffness. However, depending on the drug type, they can have adverse effects that range from mild to severe. Usually, nondepolarizing neuromuscular blockers have minimal side effects. For example, drugs like d-tubocurarine, cisatracurium, and rocuronium cause hypotension, whereas drugs like baclofen, when stopped abruptly, can lead to the recurrence of spastic conditions.
Unlike...
Unlike...
1.2K
01:17Exercise and Cardiac Output
3.8K
Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining cardiovascular health, with aerobic exercises being particularly effective. According to the American Heart Association, 150 minutes of moderate to intense aerobic exercise per week is recommended for a healthy heart. Aerobic activities may include brisk walking, running, bicycling, cross-country skiing, and swimming, ideally performed three to five times per week.
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be...
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be...
3.8K