Timing of Creatine Supplementation and Resistance Training: A Brief Review

Main Article Content

Scott C. Forbes
Darren G. Candow

Keywords

Supplements, Strength, Hypertrophy

Abstract




The combination of creatine monohydrate supplementation and resistance training increases muscle mass and strength. In this brief narrative review, we propose that the timing of creatine supplementation in relation to resistance training may be an important factor to optimize hypertrophy and strength gains. Meta-analyses indicated that creatine supplementation immediately after resistance training was superior for increasing muscle mass compared to creatine supplementation immediately before resistance training (3 studies, standard mean difference 0.52, 95% CI 0.03 – 1.00, p = 0.04); however, this did not translate into greater muscular strength (p > 0.05). Further research is needed to confirm these limited findings and to determine the mechanisms explaining the potential greater increase in muscle mass from post-exercise creatine.




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