Schulte, J. N., Noreen, E. E., Bachman, L. D., Nieminen, T. J., & Lemon, P. W. (2000). Does creatine monohydrate supplementation enhance muscle development due to a super-training effect? Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 32(5), Supplement abstract 556.

"Due to increased muscle phosphocreatine (PCr) and/or reduced PCr regeneration time between exercise bouts, creatine monohydrate (Cr) supplementation could enhance muscle development during strength training indirectly via allowing one to train harder [super-training]" (p. S135). Young men (N = 39) were formed into creatine plus protein, protein alone, or a creatine alone supplementation group. Ss trained for seven weeks in pairs and were encouraged to increase overload as often as possible.

Gains in muscle mass were greater in the Cr groups and in strength for the Cr plus protein group. Training volumes were not statistically different. There was considerable individual variability in responses to creatine.

Implication. Creatine supplementation does not increase an ability to work harder.

Return to Table of Contents for this issue.