CREATINE SUPPLEMENTATION INCREASES STRENGTH AND DOES NOT CHANGE BODY COMPOSITION IN MALES

Conte, M., Percario, S., Teixeira, L. J., & Conte, L. P. (20008). Effects of creatine supplementation and intense resistance training on body composition and muscular strength. ACSM 55th Annual Meeting Indianapolis. Presentation number 941.

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This study sought to evaluate the effects of Creatine supplementation and intense resistance training on body composition and muscular strength. Male elite handball athletes from Sorocaba/SP-Brazil were divided into three groups: individuals supplemented with creatine (N = 10); a placebo group (N = 10), and a control no-treatment group (N = 9). Creatine supplementation lasted over 32 days. All Ss participated in a resistance training periodized (linear) program aimed at increasing muscular strength, which began at the same time as Creatine supplementation. At the beginning and end of the supplementation period, fitness tests were performed involving body composition, upper muscular area, and 1-RM muscular strength (free-weight bench press).

1-RM strength increased only in the Creatine-supplementation group. No between-group differences were found for body composition or upper muscular area.

Implication. Creatine supplementation promoted an increase in muscular strength without an increase in body weight. Athletes who desire increased muscular strength without gaining weight could use Creatine supplementation in conjunction with specific resistance training.

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