Creatine Supplementation May Improve Performance in Male Swimmers

Creatine Supplementation May Improve Performance in Male Swimmers

Keywords:
ANAEROBIC PERFORMANCE, EXERCISE - Creatine, Swimming, Fin Swimming

Reference:
“Creatine supplementation improves the anaerobic performance of elite junior fin swimmers,” Juhász I, Tihanyi J, et al, Acta Physiol Hung, 2009; 96(3): 325-36. (Address: Eszterházy Károly College Institute of Physical Education and Sport Sciences Leányka u. 6 H-3300 Eger Hungary Leányka u. 6 H-3300 Eger Hungary).

Summary:
In a randomized, placebo-controlled study involving 16 elite male fin swimmers (mean age = 15.9 years), results indicate creatine supplementation may increase anaerobic performance. The swimmers were randomized to creatine (CR, 4x5 g/day creatine monohydrate) or placebo for 5 days. At intervention end, the average power of one minute continuous rebound jumps increased by 20.2% in the CR-supplemented group, compared with baseline. Additionally, swimming time measured in two maximal 100 m fin swims significantly reduced in the CR-supplemented group. No significant change was observed in the placebo group. Thus, the authors conclude, “The results of this study indicate that five day Cr supplementation enhances the dynamic strength and may increase anaerobic metabolism in the lower extremity muscles, and improves performance in consecutive maximal swims in highly trained adolescent fin swimmers.”