Havenetidis, K., (2006). The role of various muscle metabolites on performance enhancement following an acute creatine loading. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 38(5), Supplement abstract 2231.

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of acute creatine loading on various muscle metabolites during repeated cycle sprints. Males (N = 7) performed three 30-s Anaerobic Wingate Tests interspersed with six minutes recovery pre- and post- 5g of creatine monohydrate ingestion, five times per day for four days. Ss had a muscle biopsy (vastus lateralis) at rest and immediately after the third Wingate Test. Performance parameters measured were: peak power, minimum power, and fatigue index. Muscle metabolites were analyzed.

Total resting creatine content increased significantly after ingestion. Adenosine triphosphate did not change at rest. Following creatine supplementation, adenosine triphosphate, creatine, and creatine phosphate concentrations were significantly higher (33%, 14%, and 30% respectively) after the third Wingate Test. Creatine supplementation, exerted a facilitating effect on adenosine triphosphate and creatine phosphate resynthesis. Lactate was not related to creatine, creatine phosphate, or adenosine triphosphate. After creatine loading, peak power and minimum power increased.

Implication. Acute creatine loading did not affect lactic acid. Increased performance following loading was related to adenosine triphosphate and creatine phosphate resynthesis.

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