Mendes, R. R., & Tirapegui, J. (2002). Effect of creatine supplementation on supramaximal exercise and body composition of university swimmers. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 34(5), Supplement abstract 806.

Male swimmers (N = 12) were randomly assigned to an 8-day creatine supplementation program (4 x 5 g creatine monohydrate and 20 g carbohydrate per day) or placebo (20 g carbohydrate per day) group. Ss performed 12 x 25 m maximum swims with 120 seconds per rest interval.

No significant differences between groups for performance or serum creatinine were observed. Blood lactate and serum ammonia were significantly lower in the creatine group. Urinary creatinine increased significantly in the creatine group. The creatine group gained significantly in body weight, fat free mass, and body water, but not muscle mass. Increase in body size could hamper performance in swimming.

Implication. Creatine supplementation for one week did not improve repeated sprint swimming performance.

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