Bioquímica do Exercício

STEC, M. J.; RAWSON, E. S. Benefits of creatine supplementation for older adults. Brazilian Journal of Biomotricity, v. 4, n. 4, p. 215-226, 2010. Decreases in muscle mass (i.e. sarcopenia), strength, and power due to the aging process can result in an impaired ability to perform daily tasks and ultimately lead to functional disability in older adults.  While age-related declines in muscle mass and function can be attenuated by progressive resistance training, only one nutritional intervention has been identified as an effective strategy to combat sarcopenia. Creatine supplementation increases strength and power, enhances fatigue resistance, and increases fat free mass in young adults.  The purpose of this review is to examine the effects of creatine supplementation on muscle function, body composition, and activities of daily living in older individuals (>60 yr).  Collectively, the studies reviewed in this article indicate that creatine supplementation increases muscle creatine, enhances fatigue resistance, increases strength/power, increases fat free mass, and enhances functional performance in older adults.  In addition to the beneficial effects of creatine supplementation on skeletal muscle in older adults, new data indicate a role of creatine in improving bone health and cognitive processing. Creatine supplementation, with or without concurrent resistance exercise, should be considered a safe and effective nutritional therapy to combat age-related changes in muscle.

Key Words: Aging; Elderly; Muscle; Sarcopenia; Fatigue resistance; Phosphocreatine.