Keywords

blood flow restriction, creatine, women, exercise

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study examined the effects of creatine (Cr) supplementation and blood flow restriction (BFR) on muscle strength, neuromuscular function, body composition, and endothelial health in women across 8 weeks of training. METHODS: Recreationally active women (n= 59) were randomized into one of five groups: BFR-Pl (BFR exercise and placebo), BFR-Cr (BFR exercise and creatine supplementation), Pl (low-load exercise without BFR and placebo), Cr (low-load exercise without BFR and creatine supplementation), or Control (no exercise, BFR, or supplementation). Assessments of isometric strength, concentric strength, neuromuscular responses, muscle size, body composition, and endothelial function were evaluated at baseline, post-loading (after 5 days of supplementation), 4 weeks, and 8 weeks. RESULTS: All groups experience similar increases in measures of isometric strength (6.5%), muscle thickness (2.9%), cross sectional area (4.1%), body mass (2.8%), and total body water (1.2%). There were no significant changes in neuromuscular parameters or endothelial function for any of the groups across the 8-week intervention. The BFR and Cr groups (10.6 – 15.7%), however, experienced larger increases in concentric strength compared to placebo and control groups (6%). CONCLUSION: The results of the present study indicated that BFR and creatine alone are potent stimulators for muscle strength and muscle growth but may not have additive benefits. Further, the supplementation of creatine throughout this 8-week training program did effect body mass or total body water. Overall, resistance exercise, BFR and Cr can be used independently or together to induce positive muscular adaptations among women.

Completion Date

2024

Semester

Summer

Committee Chair

Hill, Ethan

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

College

College of Health Professions and Sciences

Department

Kinesiology and Rehabilition Sciences

Degree Program

Kinesiology

Format

application/pdf

Identifier

DP0028521

URL

https://purls.library.ucf.edu/go/DP0028521

Language

English

Release Date

8-15-2029

Length of Campus-only Access

5 years

Access Status

Doctoral Dissertation (Campus-only Access)

Campus Location

Orlando (Main) Campus

Accessibility Status

Meets minimum standards for ETDs/HUTs

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Restricted to the UCF community until 8-15-2029; it will then be open access.

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