CREATINE NOT BENEFICIAL FOR SHORT-BURST MAXIMAL CYCLING TASKS

McDonough, P., Biggerstaff, K. D., Bearden, S. E., Bergen, J., Cheuvront, S. N., Moffatt, R. J., & Haymes, E. M. (1999). Creatine monohydrate and cycle ergometry: Effects on hydration status. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 31(5), Supplement abstract 474.

Males (N = 6) performed four successive 15-s maximal cycle tests at a resistance of .74 N/kg to obtain baseline information on work output per kg of body mass. Ss were then randomly assigned to a treatment group (creatine monohydrate 20 g/d) or placebo (sucrose 24 g/d) for six days. Then Ss repeated the same protocol for the other treatment. Following treatment, the maximal tests were repeated.

It was found that creatine supplementation afforded no performance, hydration, or metabolic benefits for Ss accustomed to maximal cycling.

Implication. Creatine supplementation does not affect short-burst maximal cycling or hydration status in experienced cyclists.

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