Short-Term Creatine Supplementation and Repeated Sprint Ability-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #adolescent #young-adult #adult #middle-aged

Short-Term Creatine Supplementation and Repeated Sprint Ability-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Glaister et al., 2022 | Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab | Meta Analysis

Citation

Glaister Mark, Rhodes Lauren. Short-Term Creatine Supplementation and Repeated Sprint Ability-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2022-Nov-01;32(6):491-500. doi:10.1123/ijsnem.2022-0072

Abstract

The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of short-term creatine supplementation on repeated sprint ability. Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria of adopting double-blind randomized placebo-controlled designs in which participants (age: 18-60 years) completed a repeated sprint test (number of sprints: 4 < n ≤ 20; sprint duration: ≤10 s; recovery duration: ≤90 s) before and after supplementing with creatine or placebo for 3-7 days in a dose of ∼20 g/day. No exclusion restrictions were placed on the mode of exercise. Meta-analyses were completed using random-effects models, with effects on measures of peak power output, mean power output, and fatigue (performance decline) during each repeated sprint test presented as standardized mean difference (δ), and with effects on body mass and posttest blood lactate concentration presented as raw mean difference (D). Relative to placebo, creatine resulted in a significant increase in body mass (D = 0.79 kg; p < .00001) and mean power output (δ = 0.61; p = .002). However, there was no effect of creatine on measures of peak power (δ = 0.41; p = .10), fatigue (δ = 0.08; p = .61), or posttest blood lactate concentration (D = 0.22 L/min; p = .60). In conclusion, creatine supplementation may increase mean power output during repeated sprint tests, although the absence of corresponding effects on peak power and fatigue means that more research, with measurements of intramuscular creatine content, is necessary to confirm.

Key Findings

In conclusion, creatine supplementation may increase mean power output during repeated sprint tests, although the absence of corresponding effects on peak power and fatigue means that more research, with measurements of intramuscular creatine content, is necessary to confirm.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range 18-60 years
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Adolescent
  • Young Adult
  • Adult
  • Middle Aged
  • Creatine
  • Exercise Test
  • Lactic Acid
  • Fatigue
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review, Journal Article
  • Vertical: creatine

Provenance

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