PhD Scientific Days 2025

Health Sciences I.

Effects of Resistance Training and Creatine Monohydrate Supplementation on Muscle Size, Strength and Physical Performance in Older Adults

Name of the presenter

Farkas Miklós Artúr

Institute/workplace of the presenter

Fizioterápiai Tanszék

Authors

Farkas Miklós Artúr¹, Seregély Beáta¹, Dr. Takács Johanna²

1: Fizioterápiai Tanszék
2: Társadalomtudományi Tanszék

Text of the abstract

Introduction: Aging is associated with a decline in muscle mass, strength, and functional capacity, which can lead to increased frailty and reduced quality of life. Resistance training has been proposed as an effective intervention to counteract these age-related declines. Creatine monohydrate supplementation can increase training performance and enhance the effects of resistance training, and it is considered safe to use in older adults. This study aims to evaluate the impact of resistance training, with and without creatine monohydrate supplementation, on muscle thickness, strength, and functional performance in older adults.
Aims: The primary aim of this study was to assess the effects of a 12-week resistance training program, with and without creatine monohydrate supplementation, on lower limb muscle size, isometric strength and function in older men and women.
Methods: Fifty-two older adults were assigned to one of three groups: a control group, a resistance training group (RT), and a resistance training with creatine monohydrate supplementation group (RTK). The training groups participated in two supervised progressive resistance training sessions for 12 weeks. The supplementation group was instructed to take 10 grams of creatine monohydrate daily. The control group attended two weekly sessions of standard physiotherapy for older adults. Measurements of quadriceps thickness (via ultrasound), maximal isometric knee extension, Five Times Sit to Stand, Timed Up and Go, and grip strength were taken at baseline and after 14 weeks.
Results: Both interventions increased quadriceps thickness (15,1±9,9% and 10,0±16,0% in RT and RTK, respectively). Maximal isometric knee extension increased in RT (4,4±16,6%) and RTK (8,0±20,3%). Five Times Sit to Stand performance increased in all groups (17-22%), Timed Up and Go performance increased in all groups (0,8-1,6 s). Only RT showed improvements in grip strength (6±45,2%).
Conclusion: Our findings suggest that, although resistance training improves muscle thickness, a higher intensity may be required to achieve substantial improvements in strength and functional parameters.
Funding: Supported by the 2024-2.1.1-EKÖP-2024-00004 University Research Scholarship Programme of the Ministry for Culture and Innovation from the Source of the National Research, Development and Innovation Fund.