Creatine supplementation improves the anaerobic performance of elite junior fin swimmers.

Full Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine whether creatine supplementation (CrS) could improve mechanical power output, and swimming performance in highly trained junior competitive fin swimmers. Sixteen male fin swimmers (age:15.9+/-1.6 years) were randomly and evenly assigned to either a creatine (CR, 4x5 g/day creatine monohydrate for 5 days) or placebo group (P, same dose of a dextrose-ascorbic acid placebo) in a double-blind research. Before and after CrS the average power output was determined by a Bosco-test and the swimming time was measured in two maximal 100 m fin swims. After five days of CrS the average power of one minute continuous rebound jumps increased by 20.2%. The lactate concentration was significantly less after 5 minutes restitution at the second measurement in both groups. The swimming time was significantly reduced in both first (pre: 50.69+/-1.41 s; post: 48.86+/-1.34 s) and second (pre: 50.39+/-1.38 s; post: 48.53+/-1.35 s) sessions of swimming in CR group, but remained almost unchanged in the P group.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.

Author information

Author/s: Juhász, Imre (I); Györe, I (I); Csende, Zs (Z); Rácz, L (L); Tihanyi, J (J);

Affiliation: Institute of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Eszterházy Károly College, Leányka u. 6, Eger. Hungary. kerkai.juhasz(-atsign-)chello.hu

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Randomized Controlled Trial

Journal: Acta physiologica Hungarica (Acta Physiol Hung), published in Hungary. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2009-Sep; vol 96 (issue 3) : pp 325-36

Dates: Created 2009/08/26; Completed 2009/10/06;

PMID: 19706374, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 10/6/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

External Links for this article
(including full text providers, if available):

Click Electronic Full-text Provider Links to see options for finding the electronic full text links to this article. Note there may be a subscription or fee required for access to the full text. See our FAQ for information on finding FREE full text articles.

This article may also be located in paper journal collections available in many libraries. Use the Journal and Publication Information above to find the full article.