The Effect of Creatine Monohydrate Supplementation on Maximum Power Output and Fatigue Index in Young Healthy Males

Background: The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of creatine monohydrate (CrM) supplementation on maximum power output and fatigue index in healthy young males. Methods: Eighteen healthy young males (Age 21.12 ± 1.2 yrs, weight 68.4 ± 7.2 kg, and height 177.4 ± 5.95 cm) were randomly divided on a double-blind basis to two experimental and control groups. Before and after the daily ingestion of 20g CrM for 5 days (experimental group) or placebo (control group), subjects performed Running-based Anaerobic Sprint Test (RAST). Maximum power output and fatigue index values were calculated in pre and post-test for each subject. The acquired data were analyzed by MedCalc software and using t-tests. Results: Maximum power output was increased from 717.9 ± 219.4 W to 799.7±216.3 W (P < 0.05) after the CrM supplementation in the experimental group, but no change was observed in the control group (722.2 ± 158.4 W to 719.1 ± 151.6 W) (P < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in the fatigue index after the CrM supplementation in either experimental or control group (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The results showed that CrM can increase maximum power output during high intensity exercise. However, these findings demonstrated that CrM supplementation cannot affect fatigue index in healthy young males.