Abstract des Autors

This investigation determined whether oral creatine (Cr) loading could enhance single and repeated short sprint performance. A 1x10s cycle sprint (Study One) and 6x6s (departing every 30 s) repeated cycle sprints (Study two) were the performance tests used. Separate groups of subjects, randomly assigned to either a Cr or placebo (P) group, were used in each study in a double blind design. After performing a familiarisation and two baseline tests subjects loaded with 5g of Cr or P four times per day for five days before repeating the tests one and three days post-loading. In Study One (n=9 in each group), work completed (kJ) at 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 s and peak power (W) were greater than baseline values in each of the post-loading trials in both the Cr and P groups. There were no between group performance differences. In Study Two (n=11 in each group) after loading, the Cr group recorded significantly greater scores than the P group in total work (kJ) completed over the 6 sprints, work completed in sprint 1, and peak power (W). Post-exercise blood lactate and pH responses were not different between the Cr and P groups after loading in either study. Although Study One results are equivocal, Study Two results suggest that Cr supplementation can enhance both single (if sprint 1 results are considered in isolation) and repeated short sprint performance. Verf.-Referat