Efficacy of Creatine Supplementation and Resistance Training on Area and Density of Bone and Muscle in Older Adults

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#accidental-falls #age-factors #aged #bone-density #bone-remodeling

Efficacy of Creatine Supplementation and Resistance Training on Area and Density of Bone and Muscle in Older Adults

Candow et al., 2021 | Med Sci Sports Exerc | Rct

Citation

Candow Darren G, Chilibeck Philip D, ... Kontulainen Saija. Efficacy of Creatine Supplementation and Resistance Training on Area and Density of Bone and Muscle in Older Adults. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2021-Nov-01;53(11):2388-2395. doi:10.1249/MSS.0000000000002722

Abstract

PURPOSE: To examine the efficacy of creatine (Cr) supplementation and any sex differences during supervised whole-body resistance training (RT) on properties of bone and muscle in older adults. METHODS: Seventy participants (39 men, 31 women; mean age ± standard deviation: 58 ± 6 yr) were randomized to supplement with Cr (0.1 g·kg-1·d-1) or placebo (Pl) during RT (3 d·wk-1 for 1 yr). Bone geometry (radius and tibia) and muscle area and density (forearm and lower leg) were assessed using peripheral quantitative computed tomography. RESULTS: Compared with Pl, Cr increased or maintained total bone area in the distal tibia (Cr, Δ +17 ± 27 mm2; Pl, Δ -1 ± 22 mm2; P = 0.031) and tibial shaft (Cr, Δ 0 ± 9 mm2; Pl, Δ -5 ± 7 mm2; P = 0.032). Men on Cr increased trabecular (Δ +28 ± 31 mm2; P < 0.001) and cortical bone areas in the tibia (Δ +4 ± 4 mm2; P < 0.05), whereas men on Pl increased trabecular bone density (Δ +2 ± 2 mg·cm-3; P < 0.01). There were no bone changes in the radius (P > 0.05). Cr increased lower leg muscle density (Δ +0.83 ± 1.15 mg·cm-3; P = 0.016) compared with Pl (Δ -0.16 ± 1.56 mg·cm-3), with no changes in the forearm muscle. CONCLUSIONS: One year of Cr supplementation and RT had some favorable effects on measures of bone area and muscle density in older adults.

Key Findings

Compared with Pl, Cr increased or maintained total bone area in the distal tibia (Cr, Δ +17 ± 27 mm2; Pl, Δ -1 ± 22 mm2; P = 0.031) and tibial shaft (Cr, Δ 0 ± 9 mm2; Pl, Δ -5 ± 7 mm2; P = 0.032). Men on Cr increased trabecular (Δ +28 ± 31 mm2; P < 0.001) and cortical bone areas in the tibia (Δ +4 ± 4 mm2; P < 0.05), whereas men on Pl increased trabecular bone density (Δ +2 ± 2 mg·cm-3; P < 0.01). There were no bone changes in the radius (P > 0.05). Cr increased lower leg muscle density (Δ +0.83

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population older adults
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Accidental Falls
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Bone Density
  • Bone Remodeling
  • Bone and Bones
  • Creatine
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscle Strength
  • Muscle, Skeletal
  • Resistance Training
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Rct
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Vertical: creatine-bone

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09