Effects of creatine supplementation on muscle strength gains-a meta-analysis and systematic review
Zhang H, Lan T, Yan X, Gu H, Li Y, He E
PeerJ · 4 citations
How it was studied
- Design
- Meta-analysis (indexed by PubMed)
- Studied in
- People
- Main outcome
- Health markers and function
Who paid for it
- Funding
- Independent funding
- University or hospital
- Research Startup Fund for Outstanding Young Teachers of Xinjiang Normal University
Based on 1 listed funder(s) and full-text disclosure statement.
Publication
- Published
- 2025-11-27 · PeerJ · vol. 13 · p. e20380
- Publisher
- PeerJ, Inc.
- Cited
- 5 citations · more than 71% of similar papers · 0.9× the field average
- References
- 57 works
- Access
- Open access (journal) · CC-BY
- Research areas
- Muscle metabolism and nutrition · Exercise and Physiological Responses · Cardiovascular and exercise physiology
- Keywords
- Muscle strength, Creatine, Physical strength, Human muscle, Muscle protein, Muscle hypertrophy
- MeSH
- muscle, skeletal, humans, creatine, dietary supplements, muscle strength
6 authors
From CN
- Haoda ZhangXinjiang Normal University
- Tian LanXinjiang Normal University
- Xueru YanXinjiang Normal University
- Haoran GuXinjiang Normal University
- Yanhong LiXinjiang Normal University
- Enpeng HeXinjiang Normal University
Abstract
Creatine (Cr) is a widely utilized nutritional supplement. Empirical evidence indicates that Cr supplementation significantly elevates intramuscular Cr content, thereby providing an energy substrate reservoir for exercise performance and facilitating improvements in muscle strength. Although numerous studies have examined the relationship between Cr and muscle strength, comprehensive investigations into population-specific ergogenic responses, optimal Cr dosage, and concomitant training intensity remain limited. These parameters are critical determinants for maximizing the efficacy of Cr supplementation. Against this backdrop, this study adopts meta-analysis, integrating conventional and Robust Variance Estimation (RVE) models, to comprehensively evaluate the intervention effects of Cr supplementation across three dimensions: population applicability, dosage optimization, and training intensity (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42024547697). It aims to provide evidence-based support for precise clinical application and subsequent research directions.
Results
Results showed no statistical difference in baseline muscle strength between the Cr intervention group and the control group; after intervention, the Cr group exhibited significant strength gains. Further subgroup analysis revealed: untrained individuals had greater muscle strength improvements than trained ones; the low-to-moderate dose group showed better effects than the high-dose group; high-intensity training had more significant effect sizes than low-intensity training; and no definitive conclusion was reached on muscle strength improvements between middle-aged/elderly and young populations.
Conclusion
Cr supplementation significantly improves muscle strength in the general population. Specifically: untrained individuals show greater muscle strength improvements; low-dose supplementation combined with high-intensity exercise yields better effects; no definitive conclusion was reached on effect differences between middle-aged/elderly and young populations, requiring larger-sample studies for more precise effect size analysis.
Abstract via Europe PMC. Copyright remains with the authors or publisher (CC BY).
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