Beneficial effect of creatine supplementation in knee osteoarthritis

Neves M Jr, Gualano B, Roschel H, et al. · Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise

Creatine + training improved physical function (timed-stands: 15.7 to 18.1 reps vs no change on placebo, between-group P=0.004), WOMAC function and stiffness subscales, lower-limb lean mass and quality of life; pain improved in BOTH groups (training effect, not creatine).

Population

Postmenopausal women with knee OA, all performing lower-limb resistance training

Intervention

Creatine 20 g/day for 1 week then 5 g/day, for 12 weeks, plus supervised strength training

Comparator

Placebo plus identical strength training

Limitations

Only 24 participants; 12 weeks; single centre; pain itself did not separate from placebo.