The Effects of Creatine Monohydrate Supplementation and Resistance Training in Stroke Survivors

Abstract

The purpose was to investigate the effects of progressive resistance training and creatine supplementation in individuals’ post-stroke. Participants were randomized to one of two groups: creatine (n = 5; 51 ± 15 yrs, 173.04 ± 10.75 cm, 84.74 ± 19.24 kg) or placebo (n = 3; 73 ± 8 yrs, 171.26 ± 5.31 cm, 73.33 ± 5.83 kg) during 10 weeks of supervised, progressive resistance training. Prior to and following training and supplementation, assessments were made for body composition (lean tissue, fat mass, bone mineral; dual energy x-ray absorptiometry), muscle thickness (elbow and knee flexors and extensors; ultrasound), muscle strength (1-repetition maximum leg-press, chest-press), tasks of functionality (berg balance scale, six-minute walk test), cognition (Montreal Cognitive Assessment), and symptoms of anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment) and depression (Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale). The creatine group experienced a significant increase (p < 0.05) in leg press (pre 170 ± 62 kg, post 230 ± 82 kg) and chest press strength (pre 51 ± 34 kg, post 74 ± 45 kg), muscle thickness of the elbow flexors (left side: pre 3.31 ± 0.68 cm, post 3.65 ± 0.53 cm; right side: 3.08 ± 0.52 cm, post 3.56 ± 0.70 cm), 6-minute walking performance (pre 598.80 ± 168.92 sec, post 638.00 ± 160.15 sec) and a decrease in anxiety over time (pre 4.80 ± 3.83, post 1.40 ± 1.51). There were no changes in the placebo group for any variable. In conclusion, creatine monohydrate supplementation and progressive resistance training is an effective lifestyle intervention for improving strength, muscle thickness, walking performance and decreasing anxiety in a very small cohort of stroke survivors.