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The object of this study was to evaluate the effect of creatine (Cr) supplementation in well trained male sprinters. The study was performed as a single blind test on 18 sprinters at a local competition level. During the last two years a substantial part of their training had consisted of a series of maximal sprints with short rest periods to improve their fatigue resistance. The participants consumed either 20 g Cr 20 g glucose per day (Cr group, n = 9) or 40 g glucose per day (placebo group, n = 9), divided into 4 equal dosages. The effect of Cr on sprint performance was evaluated in two tests, 1X100 m sprint and an intermittent 6 x 60 m sprint. Cr supplementation increased the 100 m sprint velocity (11.68 /-0.27 s vs 11.59 /-0.31 s) and reduced the total time of 6 intermittent 60 m sprints (45.63 /-1.11 s vs 45.12 /-1.1 s), whereas no changes were observed in the placebo group. The sprint velocity was significantly increased in 5 out of 6 intermittent 60 m sprints. Venous blood was drawn 5 min after finishing the final intermittent 60 m run. Plasma lactate, Cr and serum creatinine (Crn) were all increased in the Cr group compared to presupplementation values; no changes were observed in the placebo group. The improved sprint performance suggests an increased availability of energy substrate for performing work, possibly as a result of increased skeletal muscle creatine phosphate (PCr).

(C) 2001 Munksgaard International Publishers Ltd.