Creatine and Resistance Training in HIV Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Sakkas Giorgos K., Mulligan Kathleen, DaSilva Makani, Doyle Julie W., Khatami Hootan, Schleich Thomas, Kent-Braun Jane A., Schambelan Morris
Primary Institution: University of California San Francisco
Hypothesis
Does creatine supplementation augment the effects of resistance training on muscle strength in HIV-infected patients?
Conclusion
Resistance exercise improved muscle size, strength, and function in HIV-infected men, but creatine supplementation did not enhance the strength gains from resistance training.
Supporting Evidence
- Strength increased in all muscle groups studied following resistance training.
- Creatine supplementation produced a greater increase in lean body mass.
- There were no differences between groups in changes in muscle energetics.
- Thigh muscle cross-sectional area increased following resistance exercise.
Takeaway
This study looked at whether taking creatine helps people with HIV get stronger when they do weight training. It found that while creatine helped increase muscle size, it didn't make them stronger than just training alone.
Methodology
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study with 40 HIV-positive men assigned to creatine or placebo for 14 weeks while undergoing resistance training.
Potential Biases
Potential biases related to self-reported adherence and the small number of participants.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and was limited to HIV-positive men, which may affect the generalizability of the results.
Participant Demographics
40 HIV-positive men, 25% African-American, 15% Hispanic, 60% Caucasian.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.58
Confidence Interval
95% CI −9.5% to 13.9%
Statistical Significance
p=0.58
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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