No additive effect of creatine, caffeine, and sodium bicarbonate on intense exercise performance in endurance-trained individuals
Kruse NT, et al
Published in Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports
Methodology
Randomized controlled crossover trial in 12 endurance-trained males comparing creatine loading, caffeine and sodium bicarbonate alone and in combination against placebo
Key Findings
Creatine raised 15-second sprint mean power (+34 W, 95% CI 10-58) with no additional benefit from caffeine or bicarbonate. In the 6-minute time trial only caffeine helped (+12 W, 95% CI 5-18); creatine (-6 W) and bicarbonate (-1 W) had no effect.
Conclusions
Ergogenic effects of these supplements are not additive, and creatine does not improve sustained aerobic time-trial performance.
Limitations
Very small sample (n = 12), males only, single laboratory protocol
Supplements Studied
Mean power output during 6-min time trial was higher with caffeine ... whereas sodium bicarbonate (-1 W) and creatine (-6 W) had no effects
Outcomes Measured
Mean power output during 6-min time trial was higher with caffeine (+12 W, 95% CI: 5 to 18, p = 0.001) ... whereas sodium bicarbonate (-1 W) and creatine (-6 W) had no effects
Study Details
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