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Elderly

Impact of Creatine Supplementation and Exercise Training in Older Adults

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A recent study published in the European Review of Aging and Physical Activity explores the effects of combining creatine supplementation with exercise training on older adults' physical performance and body composition. Researchers from Tehran University of Medical Sciences conducted a meta-analysis of 20 articles involving 1093 participants, finding that creatine intake and exercise training significantly improved one-repetition maximum (1RM) in older adults. The study also found that creatine intake and exercise training had a significant effect on fat percentage in older adults, but did not have a significant effect on bone mineral density.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study aimed to assess the effects of combining creatine supplementation and exercise training on older adults' physical performance and body composition.
  • The meta-analysis included 20 articles involving 1093 participants (69% females and 31% males) with a mean age of 65.4 years.
  • Creatine intake and exercise training significantly improved 1RM in older adults (mean difference = 2.122, Z = 3.255, P = 0.001).
  • The combination of creatine supplementation and exercise training had a significant effect on fat percentage in older adults (mean difference = -0.548, Z = -2.231, P = 0.026).
  • Creatine intake and exercise training did not have a significant effect on bone mineral density (BMD) of total body (mean difference = 0.009, Z = 0.587, P = 0.557).
  • The study concluded that older adults can improve their functional performance and body composition by participating in exercise training programs and creatine supplementation.
  • The effects of exercise training and creatine supplementation on BMD require further study.

Statistics:

  • 20 articles were included in the meta-analysis.
  • 1093 participants (69% females and 31% males) were involved in the study.
  • The mean age of participants was 65.4 years.
  • The mean difference in 1RM (kg) was 2.122 (Z = 3.255, P = 0.001).
  • The mean difference in fat percentage (%) was -0.548 (Z = -2.231, P = 0.026).
  • The mean difference in BMD (g/cm2) was 0.009 (Z = 0.587, P = 0.557).

Sources:

  • Impact of creatine supplementation and exercise training in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. European Review of Aging and Physical Activity, 2025, 22(1):1-14. (European Review of Aging and Physical Activity - https://eurapa.biomedcentral.com)
  • Tehran University of Medical Sciences.

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