Mujika, I., Padilla, S., Ibanez, J., Izquierdo, M., & Gorostiaga, E. (2000). Creatine supplementation and sprint performance in soccer players. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 32, 518-525.

The effects of creatine supplementation on intermittent high-intensity exercises specific to soccer were studied. On two occasions 7 days apart, highly-trained male soccer players (N = 17), performed a counter-movement jump test, a repeated sprint test, an intermittent endurance test, and a recovery counter-movement jump test. Ss were divided into two groups. Creatine supplementation consisted of 6 days of 4 x 5 g/d, and a placebo/control utilized the same volume of maltodextrin.

The creatine group performed the repeated sprints faster than the control. The other measures were not different.

Implication. Creatine supplementation enhances the performance of repetitions of short-duration sprint running. It does not enhance single powerful movements (e.g., counter-movement jumps) or intermittent endurance activities.

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