Bell, G. J., Syrotuik, D., Game, A., & Gillies, E. (1999). The effect of creatine monohydrate supplementation during combined strength and high intensity training on performance in rowers. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 31(5), Supplement abstract 1289.

This study investigated the effect of creatine supplementation on performance and training volume in male and female rowers (N = 23) while performing combined strength and high-intensity training.. Training consisted of a weekly regimen of four days of high-intensity training, and two sessions of strength training. This occurred for three weeks before random assignment to a creatine or placebo supplementation group. Creatine supplementation consisted of five days of .30 g/kgBW/day, followed by a maintenance dose of .03 g/kgBW/day for five weeks.

Five days of creatine supplementation increased body mass but did not improve repeated interval rowing performance, 2000-m rowing performance, or repeated strength performance. Performances and physiological factors changed over the period of training but did not differ between groups.

Implication. Creatine supplementation does not increase performance factors in rowers in a combined strength and high-intensity training program.

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