The Influence of Creatine Use on Performance of Swimmers

Year 2018, Volume: 20 Issue: 3, 191 - 198, 30.12.2018

Hakan Acar , Erkut Tutkun , Osman İmamoğlu , Tülin Atan

https://doi.org/10.15314/tsed.470827

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine the effects of
creatine use on the performance of swimmers. The existing literature was
reviewed. The studies were presented in tables. It was found that most of the
studies on creatine use in swimming branch were on single sprint performance,
repeated interval swimming set performance and increase in strength. Increases
were found in maximal swimming time and recovery capacity. 1,52%
performance increase was found in sprint swims. Increases between 2-8% were
found in total work performance. There were also studies which did not report
any effect of creatine on performance. One of the reasons why such studies did
not report any effects is insufficient creatine loading. In swimmers who use
creatine, the effects are generally seen in fat-free body weight, total body
weight and amount of body water. In controlled studies conducted on swimmers, both
plasma concentration increase and elevation of total creatine amount in muscles
can occur with creatine supplement intake (daily about 20 gr). This increase
can be positively reflected in performance. It can contribute to swimmers’
aerobic and anaerobic endurance of upper and lower extremities, sprint running
and sprint swim speed, maximal strength and strength continuity and recovery
speed in-between repeats and post-training. Its use should be conducted in
normal doses under physician control. 

Keywords

swim, performance, creatine

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