Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41328071›Full record

SynthesisPeerJ2025

Effects of creatine supplementation on muscle strength gains-a meta-analysis and systematic review.

Haoda Zhang, Tian Lan, Xueru Yan, Haoran Gu, Yanhong Li, Enpeng He

Abstract readSystematic ReviewMeta-Analysis
In one paragraph

Synthesis in PeerJ, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
2citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

2 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Article
  2. Review
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Haoda ZhangXinjiang Normal University Sports Human Science Laboratory, Xinjiang Normal University, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China.
Tian LanXinjiang Normal University Sports Human Science Laboratory, Xinjiang Normal University, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China.
Xueru YanXinjiang Normal University Sports Human Science Laboratory, Xinjiang Normal University, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China.
Haoran GuXinjiang Normal University Sports Human Science Laboratory, Xinjiang Normal University, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China.
Yanhong LiCollege of Life Sciences, Xinjiang Normal University, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China.
Enpeng HeXinjiang Normal University Sports Human Science Laboratory, Xinjiang Normal University, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Creatine (Cr) is a widely utilized nutritional supplement. Empirical evidence indicates that Cr supplementation significantly elevates intramuscular Cr content, thereby providing an energy substrate reservoir for exercise performance and facilitating improvements in muscle strength. Although numerous studies have examined the relationship between Cr and muscle strength, comprehensive investigations into population-specific ergogenic responses, optimal Cr dosage, and concomitant training intensity remain limited. These parameters are critical determinants for maximizing the efficacy of Cr supplementation. Against this backdrop, this study adopts meta-analysis, integrating conventional and Robust Variance Estimation (RVE) models, to comprehensively evaluate the intervention effects of Cr supplementation across three dimensions: population applicability, dosage optimization, and training intensity (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42024547697). It aims to provide evidence-based support for precise clinical application and subsequent research directions. Results: Results showed no statistical difference in baseline muscle strength between the Cr intervention group and the control group; after intervention, the Cr group exhibited significant strength gains. Further subgroup analysis revealed: untrained individuals had greater muscle strength improvements than trained ones; the low-to-moderate dose group showed better effects than the high-dose group; high-intensity training had more significant effect sizes than low-intensity training; and no definitive conclusion was reached on muscle strength improvements between middle-aged/elderly and young populations. Conclusion: Cr supplementation significantly improves muscle strength in the general population. Specifically: untrained individuals show greater muscle strength improvements; low-dose supplementation combined with high-intensity exercise yields better effects; no definitive conclusion was reached on effect differences between middle-aged/elderly and young populations, requiring larger-sample studies for more precise effect size analysis.

Indexed as

CreatineDietary SupplementsMuscle StrengthHumansMuscle, SkeletalCreatineCreatine (Cr)DosageHigh-intensity trainingMiddle-aged and elderly peopleMuscle strengthPhosphocreatine (PCr)Young people

Identifiers

PMID41328071
PMCPMC12665265

What OpenQuestion holds

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.