Impact of creatine supplementation in combination with resistance training on lean mass in the elderly

Abstract

BackgroundHuman ageing is a process characterized by loss of muscle mass, strength, and bone mass. We aimed to examine the efficacy of low‐dose creatine supplementation associated with resistance training on lean mass, strength, and bone mass in the elderly.MethodsThis was a 12‐week, parallel‐group, double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial. The individuals were randomly allocated into one of the following groups: placebo plus resistance training (PL + RT) and creatine supplementation plus resistance training (CR + RT) . The participants were assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks. The primary outcomes were lean mass and strength, assessed by dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) and ten‐repetition maximal tests (10 RM), respectively. Secondary outcomes included the lumbar spine, right and left femoral neck, both femur and whole body bone mineral density (BMD), and whole body bone mineral content (BMC), assessed by DXA.ResultsThe CR + RT group had superior gains in lean mass when compared with the PL + RT group (P = 0.02). Changes in the 10 RM tests in bench press and leg press exercises, body composition, BMD, and BMC of all assessed sites did not significantly differ between the groups (P > 0.05).ConclusionsTwelve weeks of low‐dose creatine supplementation associated with resistance training resulted in increases in lean mass in the elderly.

Skeletal muscle wasting in chronic heart failure

“…70 In contrast to Gielen et al, 67 a strong association between high vitamin D deficiency and an increased risk of heart failure in the elderly has been described. 86 A patientcentred exercise approach in frail elderly and older adults with mobility limitations physical activity was considered to improve effective quality of life and reduce frailty, while also being cost-effective. 72 In a Korean study, high serum vitamin D levels in mid-life and late-life were linked to reduced odds of various adverse effects on body composition, particularly in osteosarcopenic obesity, stressing the importance of maintaining adequate levels of vitamin D. 73 Vitamin D supplementation has also proven beneficial in improvement of muscle weakness in prostate cancer patients.…”

Muscle wasting and sarcopenia in heart failure: a brief overview of the current literature

“…59 A study in 146 women with sarcopenic obesity found that a 3 week weight-reducing programme combined with aerobic exercise lead to a significant weight reduction. Foong et al studied 636 community-dwelling older adults with a mean age of 66 ± 7 years.…”

Creatine: a miserable life without it

“…Future studies with older individuals, frail elderly and those with cognitive decline were proposed. In general, to support the encouraging data, larger human trials with longer duration of physical training and creatine supplementation are needed to definitely recommend creatine supplementation specifically for the management of age-related deficits such as sarcopenia (Pinto et al 2016).…”