Creatine supplementation and VO2max: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Abstract
Abstract Although creatine supplementation is well-known to increase exercise performance in acute high-intensity exercises, its role in aerobic performance based on VO2max is more controversial. Thus, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis on the effects of creatine supplementation on VO2max. PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and ScienceDirect were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting VO2max in creatine supplementation and placebo groups before and after supplementation. We computed a random-effects meta-analysis on VO2max at baseline, within groups following supplementation, on changes on VO2max between groups, and after supplementation between groups. Sensitivity analyses and meta-regression were conducted. We included 19 RCTs for a total of 424 individuals (mean age 30 years old, 82% men). VO2max did not differ at baseline between groups (creatine and placebo). Participants in both groups were engaged in exercise interventions in most studies (80%). Using changes in VO2max, VO2max increased in both groups but increased less after creatine supplementation than placebo (effect size [ES] = −0.32, 95%CI = −0.51 to −0.12, p = 0.002). Comparisons after creatine supplementation confirmed a lower VO2max in the creatine group compared to the placebo group (ES= −0.20, 95%CI = −0.39 to −0.001, p = 0.049). Meta-analysis after exclusion from meta-funnel resulted in similar outcomes in a subgroup of young and healthy participants. Meta-regressions on…
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Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 424 participants or records.
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