The purpose of this study is to test the hypothesis that creatine will accelerate adaptations associated with exercise in breast cancer survivors recently completing chemotherapy.
The primary objective of this study is to determine the effects of creatine supplementation in modulating strength and physical function in breast cancer survivors that have recently completed chemotherapy. The primary hypothesis for this objective is that creatine will lead to significantly greater gains in strength and physical function in breast cancer survivors compared to exercise alone. The secondary objective is to determine if supplemental creatine can increase intramuscular storage of creatine and alter energy storage. The hypothesis for this objective is that creatine supplementation will significantly increase intramuscular concentrations of creatine (Cr), phosphocreatine (PCr) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the vastus lateralis (VL) compared to controls. The secondary hypothesis for this objective is that the creatine group will have significantly greater muscle cross-sectional area and significantly lower intramuscular fat compared to controls. The final objective for this study is to test the hypothesis that creatine supplementation will improve body composition in breast cancer survivors.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
20
Those randomized to receive creatine (experimental group) will be initially dosed at 20 g/day for 7 days to boost availability of creatine systemically. Thereafter, the dose will be reduced to 5 g/day for maintenance through the duration of the 12-week protocol.
UT Health San Antonio
San Antonio, Texas, United States
Change in strength in breast cancer survivors
Participants will be evaluated for knee extensor strength via isometric maximum voluntary contraction at approximately 60° knee flexion.
Time frame: From baseline to 12 weeks
Change in functional capacity in breast cancer survivors
Functional exercise capacity will be assessed via the 6 minute walk test (6MWT).
Time frame: From baseline to 12 weeks
Change in intramuscular creatine and altering energy storage.
Muscle Creatine, Phosphocreatine, and Adenosine-triphosphate content will be assessed in vivo by 31P-MRS using a whole body 3.0T MRI scanner.
Time frame: From baseline to 12 weeks
Change in muscle cross sectional area
Magnetic resonance imaging will be used to capture the mid-thigh cross section.
Time frame: From baseline to 12 weeks
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