Effect of creatine supplementation during resistance training on lean tissue mass and muscular strength in older adults: a meta-analysis

Chilibeck PD, Kaviani M, Candow DG, Zello GA · Open Access Journal of Sports Medicine

Creatine added ~1.37 kg lean tissue mass (95% CI 0.97-1.76) and modestly greater upper- and lower-body strength (leg-press SMD 0.24, P=0.01) vs training alone — the indirect 'stronger muscle protects the joint' foundation.

Population

Older adults (mean age 57-70) in resistance-training RCTs, 7-52 weeks

Intervention

Creatine during resistance training (2-3 sessions/week)

Comparator

Placebo during identical training

Limitations

Participants were generally healthy older adults, not OA patients; joint outcomes not measured.