Selsby, J. T., Beckett, K. D., Kern, M., Devor, S. T. (2003). Swim performance following creatine supplementation in Division III athletes. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 17, 421-424.

Creatine supplementation has yielded inconsistent results when applied to competitive swimming. To further define the role of creatine, the hypothesis that creatine supplementation in a group of Division III swimmers (M = 8; F = 7) would demonstrate enhanced performance when compared with placebo was tested. Ss were assigned to either a creatine supplementation group (0.3 g/kg body mass) or a placebo group. Loading was maintained for five days followed by a nine-day period where creatine-supplemented Ss consumed 2.25 g creatine regardless of body weight. A 50- and 100-yd sprint was performed prior to and following the supplementation regimens.

The creatine supplementation group members decreased their finish times in both the 50- and 100-yd sprints.

Implication. Creatine supplementation is effective for singular effort sprint swimming distances of 50 and 100 yd in Division III athletes.

Return to Table of Contents for Physiology of Swimming.