A triple-arm double-blinded placebo-controlled repeated-measures randomized clinical trial in Colombian elite team-sport athletes. The aim is to evaluate the effects on strength-related parameters and body composition after eight weeks of supplementation with creatine monohydrate (CrM) and creatine hydrochloride (Cr-HCl). The study will be reported following the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) extension to Multi-Arm Parallel-Group Randomized Trials. All variables will be measured at baseline and after eight weeks.
Creatine monohydrate (CrM) is the most studied nutritional supplement and, therefore, one of the most popular ergogenic nutritional aids for athletes. Studies have shown that CrM supplementation increases intramuscular creatine concentrations which enhances exercise performance and improves body composition in different populations (from young athletes to older adults). It is important to note that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have recognized CrM as a safe ingredient (Generally Recognized as Safe, GRAS - No. GRN 000931). In spite of this, other forms such as creatine chloride (Cr-HCl) have been marketed as a more bioavailable sources of creatine. Since there are not studies that rigorously compare the effects of CrM versus Cr-HCl on physical performance and body composition, the aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of a 8-week supplementation protocol with the two forms of creatine (comparing to placebo) on neuromuscular strength and body composition in Colombian elite team-sport athletes.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
48
The CrM group supplemented the diet with five grams of micronized creatine monohydrate per day for eight weeks. The CrM supplement was fully dissolved in ≈500 mL of water and drank immediately after each training session (in the morning on non-training days).
A placebo group intakes five grams of maltodextrin daily throughout the study. The placebo supplement was fully dissolved in ≈500 mL of water and drank immediately after each training session (in the morning on non-training days).
The Cr-HCl group supplemented the diet with five grams of micronized creatine monohydrate per day for eight weeks. The Cr-HCl supplement was fully dissolved in ≈500 mL of water and drank immediately after each training session (in the morning on non-training days).
INDEPORTES Antioquia
Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
Lower-limb muscle power
Countermovement and drop jump will be performed on contact mat (height in centimeters and time of flight in seconds)
Time frame: Eight weeks
Neuromuscular strength
The load-velocity profile in squat and bench press exercises will be obtained with a linear position transducer (load in kilograms versus mean propulsive velocity in meters per second).
Time frame: Eight weeks
Upper-limb muscle strength
Maximal shoulder external and internal strength will be measure with a isokinetic dynamometer.
Time frame: Eight weeks
Body composition
Body composition was measured using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Fat mass and lean mass in kilograms were reported.
Time frame: Eight weeks
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