Creatine ergogenic effect on the performance of handball athletes

Abstract

Creatine has been widely used as an ergogenic resource for increased physical performance, strength and power. The objective of this study was to evaluate creatine as an ergogenic nutritional supplement on the performance of female handball athletes belonging to the team sponsored by the Community University of the Region of Chapecó, in the municipality of Chapecó-SC. The sample consisted of 11 athletes aged between 15 and 22 years. The athletes under went creatine supplementation in the first phase with 10g (overload) for 5 days and in these cond phase 3g (maintenance) for 7 days. The control group received placebo solution (dextrose) for the same period of time. After supplementation, the athletes were tested on repeated sprints. The bests print time (peak TSR), mean sprints time, peak velocity, and performance drop along sprints (fatigue-IF index) were evaluated. The results indicated a worsening in time (s) and speed (m / min) during repeated sprints in both groups after the application of creatine and placebo supplementation protocols. Although, no significant results were found between the means, it is observed for if that for the experimental group there was reduction in the values, for each protocol tested. Analyzing the results, it can be concluded that although the experimental group showed a reduction in the if values, the absence of significant results during the repeated stress test, allows concluding that the dosage used in this period f time does not show improvement in the performance of handball athletes.