High-dose short-term creatine supplementation without beneficial effects in professional cyclists: a randomized controlled trial

Background: Growing evidence supports the ergogenic effects of creatine supplementation on muscle power/strength, but its effects on endurance performance remain unclear. We assessed the effects of high-dose short-term creatine supplementation in professional cyclists during a training camp. Methods...

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Detalhes bibliográficos
Autores: Barranco Gil, David, Brea Alejo, Lidia, Revuelta Parra, Carlos, Górriz, Miguel, Pagola Aldazabal, Itziar, Ozcoidi, Laureano M., Lucía Mulas, Alejandro, Valenzuela Ruiz, Pedro Luis
Tipo de documento: artigo
Data de publicação:2024
País:España
Recursos:Universidad Europea (UEM)
Repositório:ABACUS. Repositorio de Producción Científica
Idioma:inglês
OAI Identifier:oai:abacus.universidadeuropea.com:11268/13515
Acesso em linha:http://hdl.handle.net/11268/13515
Access Level:Acceso aberto
Palavra-chave:Ciclismo
Suplementos Dietéticos
Recuperación calorífica
Deporte
Goal 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
Descrição
Resumo:Background: Growing evidence supports the ergogenic effects of creatine supplementation on muscle power/strength, but its effects on endurance performance remain unclear. We assessed the effects of high-dose short-term creatine supplementation in professional cyclists during a training camp. Methods: The study followed a double-blind, randomized parallel design. Twenty-three professional U23 cyclists (19 ± 1 years, maximum oxygen uptake: 73.0 ± 4.6 mL/kg/min) participated in a 6-day training camp. Participants were randomized to consume daily either a recovery drink (containing carbohydrates and protein) with a 20-g creatine supplement (creatine group, n = 11) or just the recovery drink (placebo group, n = 12). Training loads and dietary intake were monitored, and indicators of fatigue/recovery (Hooper index, countermovement jump height), body composition, and performance (10-second sprint, 3-, 6-, and 12-minute time trials, respectively, as well as critical power and W') were assessed as study outcomes. Results: The training camp resulted in a significant (p < 0.001) increase of training loads (+50% for total training time and + 61% for training stress score, compared with the preceding month) that in turn induced an increase in fatigue indicators (significant time effect [p < 0.001] for delayed-onset muscle soreness, fatigue, and total Hooper index) and a decrease in performance (significant time effect [p = 0.020] for critical power, which decreased by -3.8%). However, no significant group-by-time interaction effect was found for any of the study outcomes (all p > 0.05). Conclusions: High-dose short-term creatine supplementation seems to exert no consistent beneficial effects on recovery, body composition or performance indicators during a strenuous training period in professional cyclists.