Effects of Creatine Monohydrate on Endurance Performance in a Trained Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #creatine #exercise #athletes #nutritional-status

Effects of Creatine Monohydrate on Endurance Performance in a Trained Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Fernández-Landa et al., 2023 | Sports Med | Meta Analysis

Citation

Fernández-Landa Julen, Santibañez-Gutierrez Asier, ... Ostojic Sergej M. Effects of Creatine Monohydrate on Endurance Performance in a Trained Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Sports Med. 2023-May;53(5):1017-1027. doi:10.1007/s40279-023-01823-2

Abstract

BACKGROUND: There is robust evidence that creatine monohydrate supplementation can enhance short-term high-intensity exercise in athletes. However, the effect of creatine monohydrate supplementation on aerobic performance and its role during aerobic activities is still controversial. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the supplementation effects of creatine monohydrate on endurance performance in a trained population. METHODS: The search strategy in this systematic review and meta-analysis was designed following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, and PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were explored from inception until 19 May, 2022. Only human experimental trials, controlled with a placebo group, evaluating the effects of creatine monohydrate supplementation on endurance performance in a trained population were analyzed in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The methodological quality of included studies was evaluated using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. RESULTS: A total of 13 studies satisfied all the eligibility criteria and were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The results for the pooled meta-analysis showed a non-significant change in endurance performance after creatine monohydrate supplementation in a trained population (p = 0.47), with a trivial negative effect (pooled standardized mean difference =  - 0.07 [95% confidence interval - 0.32 to 0.18]; I2 = 34.75%). Further, after excluding the studies not evenly distributed around the base of the funnel plot, the results were similar (pooled standardized mean difference =  - 0.07 [95% confidence interval - 0.27 to 0.13]; I2 = 0%; p = 0.49). CONCLUSIONS: Creatine monohydrate supplementation was shown to be ineffective on endurance performance in a trained population. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study protocol was registered in the Prospective Register of Systematic Review (PROSPERO) with the following registration number: CRD42022327368.

Key Findings

A total of 13 studies satisfied all the eligibility criteria and were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The results for the pooled meta-analysis showed a non-significant change in endurance performance after creatine monohydrate supplementation in a trained population (p = 0.47), with a trivial negative effect (pooled standardized mean difference =  - 0.07 [95% confidence interval - 0.32 to 0.18]; I2 = 34.75%). Further, after excluding the studies not evenly distributed aroun

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 13
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Creatine
  • Exercise
  • Athletes
  • Nutritional Status
  • Dietary Supplements

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