Effects of Aging, Overload, and Creatine on Rat Muscle
Author Information
Author(s): Mark D. Schuenke, Naomi E. Brooks, Robert S. Hikida
Primary Institution: University of New England
Hypothesis
Creatine supplementation would primarily increase cross-sectional area in fast fibers and this would be attenuated in aging muscle.
Conclusion
Creatine supplementation alone had no significant effect on muscle fiber size, and the combination of creatine and overload did not enhance muscle growth compared to overload alone.
Supporting Evidence
- Creatine alone had no significant effect on muscle fiber cross-sectional area.
- Overload increased muscle fiber size in both young and aging rats.
- Creatine with overload did not produce additional hypertrophy compared to overload alone.
Takeaway
This study looked at how creatine and exercise affect muscle in young and old rats. It found that creatine didn't help the old rats' muscles grow bigger.
Methodology
Young and aging rats underwent surgery to induce muscle overload and were given creatine supplementation for four weeks, followed by muscle analysis.
Limitations
Creatine uptake was not measured, and the overload model may not reflect voluntary exercise in humans.
Participant Demographics
Young (5 months) and aging (24 months) male Fisher 344 rats.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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