PHOSPHAGEN HP (CREATINE + ELECTROLYTES) DID NOT IMPROVE SWIMMING PERFORMANCES

Renne, D. R., D'Acquisto, L. J., Nethery, V., & Gee, D. (1999). Creatine monohydrate supplementation does not enhance or compromise swimming performance. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 31(5), Supplement abstract 356.

This study investigated the effects of creatine monohydrate supplementation on single and intermittent swimming performance, body composition, and body water. Trained collegiate swimmers (M = 9; F = 1) were performance matched. Five Ss supplemented their diets with Phosphagen HP (21 g/day creatine, plus dextrose and electrolytes) while the other five consumed a placebo. For five subsequent days, a maintenance dose was consumed. Performance measures included single swims of 25, 50, and 200 yards and an intermittent set of 10 x 100 yards.

There were no performance differences between the groups. The creatine group increased significantly in body mass while total body water remained unchanged for both groups.

Implication. Ten days of Phosphagen HP did not enhance or compromise swimming performances.

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