The aim of the study was to examine the effects of creatine supplementation on indirect markers of exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD). The participants (n = 20) were healthy, female, recreationally active athlete (age 21.6 (1.4) years; stature 166.3 (4.4) cm, body mass 60.0 (3.7) kg) volunteers. The study received ethical approval, and participants were split equally into a creatine supplement condition, and a carbohydrate placebo condition. Participants undertook 10 days supplementation, before baseline indirect markers were taken (soreness measures, jump height, and peak and mean power outputs), and a muscle damaging protocol (5 x 20 drop jumps from a 0.6 m height) implemented. Indirect markers were then taken at 24 hours post-damaging, and 48 hours post-damaging to assess for changes across time, and supplement groups. A two-way mixed ANOVA demonstrated statistically significant (p > 0.05) differences between creatine and placebo supplementation groups in all soreness measurements, countermovement jump height, and Wingate peak power output across time points. No significant differences were observed in squat jump height, and Wingate mean power. The results of this study demonstrate that creatine may be a valuable nutritional supplement for attenuating EIMD, but the underlying mechanisms and influence of oestrogen need further investigation.
Due to pandemic-related data collection restrictions, some of the data in this project may have been simulated
PLEASE NOTE: You must be a member of the University of Lincoln to be able to view this dissertation. Please log in here.