Effectiveness of Creatine Supplementation and Exercise on Muscle and Bone

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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As we age, we experience a reduction in muscle and bone which inevitably decreases strength and the ability to perform tasks of daily living such as gardening, carrying groceries, and climbing stairs. Health costs associated with aging muscle and bone loss are in the billions of dollars. With the projected increase in life expectancy, the incidence of muscle and bone loss will rise and further drain the healthcare system, with greater need for hospitalization, treatment, and rehabilitation. Without effective strategies to counteract aging muscle and bone loss, we may face a healthcare crisis in the future. Creatine, a compound found in red meat and seafood, increases creatine phosphate stores in muscle, providing increased energy during high-intensity exercise. Short-term (i.e. 3-4 months) resistance-exercise and supplementation with creatine, have been shown to have a favorable effect on properties of aging muscle and bone. However, the longer-term (i.e. 1 year) effects of these interventions are unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this innovative research is to determine the longer-term effects of resistance-exercise and creatine supplementation (0.1g•kg-1) in older adults. The primary dependent variables to be assessed will include muscle hypertrophy, bone mineral and bone geometry, strength, and urinary and blood indicators of liver and kidney function. This innovative, multidisciplinary research will help contribute to the successful pursuit of prolonged independent living by improving aging musculoskeletal health for older Saskatchewan adults. Saskatchewan provides a relevant setting for this research, given the higher percentage of older adults (15%), compared to the national average (12%). We hypothesize that creatine supplementation will increase muscle mass, strength, and bone mineral density more than placebo.

Official Title
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Potential of Resistance-Exercise and Creatine Supplementation on Aging Musculoskeletal Health

Conditions
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Osteoporosis, Sarcopenia

Intervention / Treatment
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* Dietary Supplement: creatine monohydrate
* Dietary Supplement: sugar placebo


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: greater than or equal to 50 years of age males or postmenopausal females not currently participating in resistance training Exclusion Criteria: pre-existing kidney abnormalities previous fragility fractures history of taking medications that affect bone mineral density in the past year including bisphosphonates, parathyroid hormone, calcitonin, hormone replacement therapy, or corticosteroids (i.e. within the past year) suffer from severe osteoarthritis have taken creatine supplementation within the past 6 months

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 50 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Prevention
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Triple


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: creatine<br>This arm will involve creatine supplementation 0.1 g per kg body mass per day while participating in a resistance training program (1 hour per day, 3 days per week). | Dietary Supplement: creatine monohydrate<br>* Powder, 0.1 g per day, 12 months<br>* Other names: Rivalus;|
| Placebo Comparator: Sugar<br>This arm will involve placebo (maltodextrin) given every day while the participant does a resistance training program (1 hour per day, 3 days per week). | Dietary Supplement: sugar placebo<br>* powder, 0.1 g/day, 12 months<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Lumbar spine bone mineral density |  | Baseline and 12 months | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Proximal femur bone mineral density |  | Baseline and 12 months | 
| Whole body bone mineral density |  | baseline and 12 months | 
| lean tissue mass |  | baseline and 12 months | 
| Muscular strength |  | baseline and 12 months | 
| Muscle thickness |  | baseline and 12 months | 
| Bone speed of sound |  | Baseline and 12 months | 
| bone geometry |  | baseline and 12 months | 
| Complete blood count |  | baseline, 4 months, 8 months, 12 months | 
| Liver enzymes |  | baseline, 4 months, 8 months, 12 months | 
| kidney function (creatinine clearance) |  | baseline, 4 months, 8 months, 12 months | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Bone, Muscle, Strength, Kidney, Liver, Creatine