Effect of creatine loading on neuromuscular fatigue threshold.

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effect of creatine (Cr) loading on the onset of neuromuscular fatigue by monitoring electromyographic fatigue curves from the vastus lateralis muscle using the physical working capacity at the fatigue threshold (PWC(FT)) test. Using a double-blind random design, 15 women athletes [mean age 19.0 +/- 2.0 (SD) yr] from the university crew team received a placebo (n = 8; 20 g glucose) or Cr (n = 7; 5 g Cr monohydrate + 20 g glucose) four times per day for 5 consecutive days. Analysis of covariance was used to analyze the data (covaried for presupplementation PWC(FT) values). The adjusted mean postsupplementation PWC(FT) value for the Cr group (mean = 186 W) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that of the placebo group (mean = 155 W). These findings suggest that Cr loading may delay the onset of neuromuscular fatigue.