Feinstein, T. M., Claybon, E. M., Lund, R. J., Peters, P., Lyle, M. A., Cox, R. H., & Wiley, R. L. (1999). Effects of creatine monohydrate supplementation on recovery time during repeated bouts of isometric handgrip. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 31(5), Supplement abstract 1284.

Depletion of muscle phosphocreatine (PCr), especially in type II fibers, is a limiting factor in maximal exercise. Creatine supplementation has been shown to raise intramuscular PCr levels, and increase the rate of PCr resynthesis. This study evaluated whether creating supplementation could increase the duration of isometric contractions. Males (N = 9) experienced both creatine and placebo supplementation. Hand grip isometric training consisted of three trials in which Ss held 50% of maximum voluntary contraction until fatigue. One minute of rest was allowed between trials.

A training effect occurred in both conditions. The placebo condition reached a plateau while the creatine condition produced continued improvement. When using creatine, Ss increased isometric handgrip contraction time and metabolic work. It was suggested that creatine delays fatigue by increasing recovery rate.

Implication. Creatine supplementation increases recovery rate after fatiguing isometric exercise.

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