Webster, M. J., Vogel, R. A., Erdman, L. D., & Clark, R. D. (1999). Creatine supplementation: Effect on exercise performance at two levels of acute dehydration. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 31(5), Supplement abstract 1285.

Males performed a pre-supplementation set of 5 x 5-seconds maximal cycling sprints in an environmental chamber (~32 degrees Celsius; 50% relative humidity). Ss were then assigned to a creatine supplementation (N = 7; 20 g/day for five days) or a placebo group (N = 9). After supplementation, the 5 x 5-s sprints were repeated. That was immediately followed by a 75-minute bout of intermittent, moderate intensity exercise to facilitate dehydration. After the 75 minutes of exercise, the 5 x 5-s sprints were repeated again.

No between or within group differences were found for work output factors, or performance. Muscle cramping was reported by 3 of 7 creatine Ss but only 1 of the placebo group. Creatine did not appear to affect hydration status.

Implication. Creatine supplementation does not affect hydration status nor does it enhance maximum sprint performance.

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