Creatine Supplementation May Attenuate the Decrement in Exercise Performance during Low Carbohydrate Diets in Recreationally Trained Individuals Original Research

Main Article Content

Stephanie A. Born
Timothy R. Rotarius
Emily Van Wasshenova
Jakob D. Lauver
John R. Thistlethwaite
Barry W. Scheuermann

Keywords

high-intensity exercise, exercise tolerance, repeated-bout

Abstract

Introduction: Low carbohydrate (L-CHO) diets may be an effective means for weight loss; however, these L-CHO diets often result in decreases in exercise performance during high-intensity, interval exercise test (HIIET).


Methods:  Nineteen, healthy, recreationally active adults participated in this study. Subjects were assigned to one of three groups: control (CON), L-CHO diet w/ placebo (L-CHO), or L-CHO diet w/ creatine supplementation (L-CHO+Cr). Subjects performed HIIET to fatigue at 90% peak power output (PPO) with a 1:1 work-to-recovery ratio of 30 s. Dietary intervention consisted of <30% total intake of carbohydrates, while creatine supplementation consisted of a standard loading dose (20 g/day) or placebo (5 g/day).


Results: There was no statistically significant difference in HIIET performance (# of intervals completed) in the L-CHO+Cr group (Pre-: 28.9 ± 18.6; Post-: 32.4 ± 18.3, p > 0.05). When expressed as a % change from pre-dietary intervention, L-CHO resulted in the greatest decrease in HIIET performance (L-CHO: -35 ± 14; CON: 12 ± 10; L-CHO+Cr: 31 ± 11 % change from pre-, p < 0.05).


Conclusions: The addition of a standard loading dose of creatine during a L-CHO diet may help to attenuate the decrement in HIIET performance.

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