EFEITO DA SUPLEMENTAÇÃO DE CREATINA NA FUNÇÃO COGNITIVA E MUSCULAR DE IDOSOS: UMA REVISÃO DE ENSAIOS CLÍNICOS RANDOMIZADOS

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the effects of creatine supplementation on cognitive and muscular function in the elderly. METHOD: This is a review of randomized clinical trials, utilizing the Medline, PubMed, and SciELO databases. Articles included were randomized clinical trials conducted with elderly individuals of both sexes, from the last 10 years, and written in English, Portuguese, or Spanish. RESULTS: The final sample consisted of 16 articles conducted in various countries. The creatine dosages used in the treatment were 5 g daily in seven studies, while the other studies adopted a dose based on the participants' weight, providing 0.1 mg/kg of body weight. Thirteen studies showed positive outcomes, with nine studies reporting an increase in participants' strength and muscle mass, and four studies showing improvements in cognitive function. Three studies did not observe changes in the analyzed variables in the groups that used creatine supplementation. One study reported an increase in tibia bone area due to creatine supplementation combined with resistance training. CONCLUSION: Creatine supplementation improved cognitive and muscular function, especially when combined with resistance training. Most studies indicate that creatine can enhance strength gains, muscle mass, and physical performance in healthy, non-athlete elderly individuals. However, it is important to consider the individuality of each person, as well as the dose, duration, and combination with specific exercises when evaluating the efficacy of creatine in this population.