The effect of creatine monohydrate supplementation on sprint skating in hockey players

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of creatine monohydrate supplementation for improving sprint skating performance in competitive male ice hockey players. In a double blind and randomized design, 17 ice hockey players were supplemented with either 0.30 grams of creatine monohydrate (Cr) per kilogram of body weight per day (n = 8; mean ± SE, age= 20.3 ± 0.7 years), or a placebo (PI) (n =6; age= 18.4 ± 0.4 years) for 5 days. One day prior to supplementation and one day after supplementation subjects performed repeated sprint skating intervals on the Frappier Acceleration Skating Treadmill. Testing consisted of skating at 16.1 km/hr at a 15% elevation for 10 seconds, resting for 30 seconds and repeating the same procedure until volitional fatigue. Blood lactate concentration (La) was taken at baseline, after each odd numbered skating interval, and again upon volitional fatigue. There was no significant difference in mean total skating time between groups prior to treatment (45.2 ± 12.9 vs. 63.5 ± 12.4 seconds, PI vs. Cr). Post-test results showed no significant difference in total skating time between groups ( 67.1 ± 23.3 vs. 84.1 ± 14.0 seconds, PI vs. Cr). There were no significant differences in La concentration at baseline, after any of the intervals, or fatigue between groups prior to and after supplementation. In conclusion, in this study there was no objective evidence to support the contention that Cr supplementation improves the ability to perform repeated sprint skates in competitive male hockey players.