O uso da creatina na melhora da capacidade funcional de idosos: uma revisão de literatura

Abstract

Objective: The present academic work seeks to evaluate the improvement of the functional capacity of healthy elderly people through the use of creatine. Method: The latest 5 years of the Pubmed scientific database has been researched in either English, Portuguese and Spanish languages. Results: Six random clinical trials have shown that the regular use of creatine reflected a significant increase in balance and total body mass. Satisfactory results were observed with regard to the increase in strength and muscle mass gain in the creatine group, and also in total energy intake over time, with no differences between the groups. There was an enhance in the flexor and extensor of the elbow, an increase in total muscle thickness over time, and a tendency in the creatine group to increase bone flexion strength in addition to increasing the ability to perform functional life tasks.Conclusion: Creatine provided muscle mass gain and improved functional capacity. However, in most studies, the supplementation time was short and the supplementation protocol used was 0.1 g/kg/day, while the literature suggests the adoption of 5 g/day of creatine, in continuous use. Longer studies have validated the effectiveness of creatine in promoting quality of life for the elderly.