ABSTRACT
Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the short-term effects of creatine supplementation in combination with vibration exercise on physical fitness and neuromuscular performance of elderly women.
Materials and Methods: The study population included women aged over 60 years. For this purpose, 22 healthy elderly females were selected and randomly divided into three groups: vibration exercise with creatine supplementation [n=8], vibration exercise with placebo [n=7], and control [n=7] groups. Vibration exercise with creatine supplementation group, performed exercises which included six posture exercises, based on the principle of overload, for 10 days, with a frequency of 30-35 Hz and amplitude of 5 mm; and at the same time, received 20 grams creatine, for the first 5-day, and 5 grams creatine, for the later 5-day, daily. Vibration exercise with placebo group, instead of creatine, received dextrose. Evaluation factors were the static strength of hands and feet [dynamometer], the dynamic power of leg [knee open device], the static balance [standing on one leg], and dynamic balance [lifted and walking], the lower body performance [30 meters walk, tandem gate and get up and sit on a chair], and flexibility [sit and delivery]. ANOVA and analysis of covariance statistical tests were used to examine the main effects; and post hoc Tukey and Sidak tests, were used to compare pairs of groups [P
Results: The results of ANOVA showed that there was no significant difference between the groups in the static power [P=0.89], lower body function in tandem gate test [P=0.25], and flexibility [P=0.59]; but the static power and performance of leg in 30-meter walk test, was better in vibration exercise with creatine supplementation group than the control group [P<0.016 and 0.02, respectively]. In addition, the results of covariance test showed that there was no significant difference between the groups in the static balance variables [P=0.11] and the getting up and sitting on performances [P=0.68]; but both groups of vibration exercise with creatine supplementation, and vibration exercise and placebo, had better performance in the dynamic balance [P=0.001and P=0.009, respectively], and the dynamic power of leg [P=0.001and P=0.001, respectively], than the control group.
Conclusion: Regarding to the results of the present study, it seems that vibration exercise with creatine supplementation in the short term, can lead to a significant improvement in the static and dynamic power of feet, dynamic balance and 30-meter walk performance in elderly women. Furthermore, it appears that creatine supplementation along with whole-body vibration exercise may have further impact on the static power of leg, and 30-meter walk performance.