Effects of Creatine Monohydrate on Endurance Performance in a Trained Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Abstract
BACKGROUND: There is robust evidence that creatine monohydrate supplementation can enhance short-term high-intensity exercise in athletes. However, the effect of creatine monohydrate supplementation on aerobic performance and its role during aerobic activities is still controversial.
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the supplementation effects of creatine monohydrate on endurance performance in a trained population.
METHODS: The search strategy in this systematic review and meta-analysis was designed following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, and PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were explored from inception until 19 May, 2022. Only human experimental trials, controlled with a placebo group, evaluating the effects of creatine monohydrate supplementation on endurance performance in a trained population were analyzed in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The methodological quality of included studies was evaluated using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale.
RESULTS: A total of 13 studies satisfied all the eligibility criteria and were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The results for the pooled meta-analysis showed a non-significant change in endurance performance after creatine monohydrate supplementation in a trained population (p = 0.47), with a trivial negative effect (pooled standardized mean difference = -…
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