Influence of creatine monohydrate ingestion on muscle metabolites and intense exercise capacity in individuals with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of ingesting creatine monohydrate in elevating intramuscular creatine stores and improving exercise capacity in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Design: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, pre-posttrial.

Setting: A university-based exercise physiology laboratory.

Participants: Sixteen individuals with relapsing-remitting MS (median Expanded Disability Status Scale score, 4.75; range, 1.5-6.0).

Intervention: Eight individuals with MS were randomized to the creatine group (20g/d of creatine monohydrate for 5d), and 8 others were randomized to the placebo group. Needle biopsies were performed on the vastus lateralis at rest before and after treatment. Subjects performed 3 bouts of 30 maximal knee extensions and flexions at 180 degrees /s with 1 minute of recovery between bouts before and after treatment.

Main outcome measures: Intramuscular total creatine, phosphocreatine, free creatine, and total work output.

Results: Creatine ingestion did not significantly elevate intramuscular total creatine, phosphocreatine, or free creatine or improve total work production.

Conclusion: Creatine ingestion had no significant effect on muscle creatine stores or high-intensity exercise capacity in individuals with MS.