Influence of CReatine Supplementation on mUScle Mass and Strength After Stroke (ICaRUS Stroke Trial): A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to determine whether creatine supplementation improves functional capacity, strength, muscle mass, and inflammation-related biomarkers in older stroke patients during hospitalization and 90 days post-stroke.
Results Summary
Creatine supplementation showed no significant effects on functional capacity, strength, or muscle mass during the first 7 days or at the 90-day follow-up. However, it reduced progranulin levels, suggesting a potential novel biological interaction.
Population
Older adults hospitalized for acute stroke.
Effective Dosage
10 g orally twice daily.
Duration
7 days of hospitalization, with follow-up at 90 days post-stroke.
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
creatine supplementation | no change | functional capacity | older people during seven days of hospitalization for stroke | - | did not influence | #1 |
creatine supplementation | no change | strength | older people during seven days of hospitalization for stroke | - | did not influence | #2 |
creatine supplementation | no change | muscle mass | older people during seven days of hospitalization for stroke | - | did not influence | #3 |
creatine supplementation | no change | outcomes 90 days after stroke | older people during seven days of hospitalization for stroke | - | did not influence | #4 |
creatine supplementation | decrease | progranulin levels | older people during seven days of hospitalization for stroke | - | decreased | #5 |
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The acute phase of stroke is marked by inflammation and mobility changes that can compromise nutritional status. This study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness of creatine supplementation for older people during seven days of hospitalization for stroke compared to usual care. METHOD: The primary outcome measures were changes in functional capacity, strength, muscle mass, and muscle degradation. The secondary outcomes were changes in serum biomarkers related to inflammation, fibrosis, anabolism, and muscle synthesis. In addition, a follow-up 90 days after the stroke verified functional capacity, strength, quality of life, and mortality. Following admission for an acute stroke, participants received either creatine (10 g) or a visually identical placebo (10 g) orally twice daily. Both groups received supplementation with protein to achieve the goal of 1.5 g of protein/kg of body weight/day and underwent daily mobility training during seven days of hospitalization. RESULTS: Thirty older people were included in two similar groups concerning baseline attributes (15-treatment/15-placebo). CONCLUSIONS: Creatine supplementation did not influence functional capacity, strength, or muscle mass during the first 7 days or outcomes 90 days after stroke. There were no serious adverse events associated with creatine supplementation. However, it decreased progranulin levels, raising a new possibility of creatine action. This finding needs further exploration to understand the biological significance of creatine-progranulin interaction.