Creatine or vitamin D supplementation in individuals with a spinal cord injury undergoing resistance training: A double-blinded, randomized pilot trial.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to determine whether creatine or vitamin D supplementation improves muscle strength in individuals with spinal cord injury undergoing resistance training.
Results Summary
Creatine supplementation significantly improved corrected arm muscle area compared to the control group, and a significant correlation was found between vitamin D levels and one repetition maximum Pec deck performance. Vitamin D deficiency was highly prevalent in the study population.
Population
Fourteen individuals (13 male, 1 female) with spinal cord injury from Portuguese rehabilitation centers.
Effective Dosage
Creatine (3g daily), vitamin D (25000 IU every two weeks).
Duration
Eight weeks.
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
creatine (3g daily) | increase | corrected arm muscle area | individuals with spinal cord injury | - | improved significantly | #1 |
creatine supplementation | increase | muscle strength parameters | individuals with spinal cord injury | - | may improve | #2 |
vitamin D (25000 IU each two weeks) | increase | one repetition maximum Pec deck | individuals with spinal cord injury | - | significant correlation | #3 |
- | decrease | vitamin D levels | 71.4% of participants | - | had deficit values | #4 |
- | neutral | vitamin D deficiency | this population | - | is highly prevalent | #5 |
PURPOSE: Determine whether creatine or vitamin D supplementation improves muscle strength in individuals with spinal cord injury undergoing resistance training. METHODS: Thirteen male and one female with spinal cord injury, from two Portuguese rehabilitation centers, were randomized to creatine (3g daily), vitamin D (25000 IU each two weeks) or placebo group in a double-blind design. All participants performed progressive resistance training during eight weeks. The outcome measures, obtained at baseline and after intervention, included: Sum of four skinfolds; Corrected arm muscle area; Seated medicine ball throw; Handgrip strength with dynamometer; Manual wheelchair slalom test and one repetition maximum for Chest press, Triceps, Pec deck and Lat pulldown. Vitamin D levels were obtained in all participants before and after intervention. RESULTS: 71.4% of participants had deficit values of vitamin D. The corrected arm muscle area improved significantly (p<0.05) in creatine group relatively to the control group. There was a significant correlation (p<0.05) between the one repetition maximum Pec deck and levels of vitamin D. CONCLUSIONS: Supplementation with creatine may improve muscle strength parameters in individuals with spinal cord injury. Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in this population. It is recommended an initial screening of vitamin D levels at the beginning of the physical rehabilitation process.