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Creatine and its application as an ergogenic aid
1Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University Medical School, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham, U.K.
International Journal of Sport Nutrition
|June 1, 1995
Summary
Creatine supplementation enhances high-power exercise performance by increasing intramuscular phosphocreatine (PCr) stores. This improves adenosine triphosphate (ATP) resynthesis, boosting work output during intense, short-duration activities.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Nutritional Biochemistry
- Sports Science
Background:
- Phosphocreatine (PCr) availability is a critical factor limiting performance in high-power, short-duration exercise due to its role in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) resynthesis.
- Depletion of PCr impairs the ability to maintain ATP levels required for sustained muscle contraction during intense activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of creatine supplementation on PCr concentrations and exercise performance.
- To determine the impact of creatine on ATP turnover and metabolic byproducts during high-intensity exercise.
Main Methods:
- Participants ingested 20g of creatine daily for 5 days.
- Muscle and plasma samples were analyzed for creatine, PCr, ATP, ammonia, and hypoxanthine.
- Work output during repeated high-power exercise bouts was measured.
Main Results:
- Creatine supplementation significantly increased intramuscular creatine and PCr concentrations.
- PCr resynthesis during recovery was facilitated, especially in individuals with lower baseline creatine levels.
- Work output during repeated high-power exercise was enhanced.
- Reduced accumulation of ammonia and hypoxanthine, and attenuated muscle ATP degradation were observed.
Conclusions:
- Daily creatine ingestion effectively increases intramuscular PCr availability.
- Creatine supplementation enhances performance in high-power exercise by improving ATP turnover and maintaining energy supply.
- The ergogenic effect of creatine is linked to better maintenance of ATP levels during intense muscle contractions.