Effects of Resistance-band Training and Creatine Supplementation Strategies in Healthy Older Adults

Overview

The primary purpose is to compare the effects of creatine supplementation (bolus ingestion of 5 grams vs. 3 grams) during 16 weeks of resistance-band training on measures of body composition (i.e., whole-body lean tissue mass, total body water), arm and leg muscle thickness (growth), muscle performance (i.e., power, strength, endurance) and functional ability (i.e., walking speed, balance). A secondary purpose of this research is to examine the effects of bolus ingestion of creatine (5 grams) compared to intermittent ingestion of creatine (2 x 2.5 grams) during 16 weeks of resistance-band training on measures of body composition (i.e., whole-body lean tissue mass, total body water), arm and leg muscle thickness (growth), muscle performance (i.e., power, strength, endurance) and functional ability (i.e., walking speed, balance).

Resistance-band training is safe, conveient, easy-to-use, eliminates potential barriers to exercise participation (i.e., lack of transportation to and from commercial training facilities) and results in high exercise compliance and adherence. Further, resistance-band training results in similar improvements in muscle performance and functional ability compared to traditional resistance-type training using free-weights and machines. Creatine is a naturally occurring nitrogen-containing compound produced in the body in the liver and brain and can also be found in food products such as red meat and seafood or through commercially available manufactured creatine products. Evidence-based research shows that creatine supplementation, when ingested during a resistance exercise training program, improves measures of lean mass and muscle growth, muscle performance and functional ability. However, the optimal creatine supplementation protocol to achieve these benefits is unknown.