RT info:eu-repo/semantics/article
T1 Combined creatine and HMB co-supplementation improves functional strength independent of muscle mass in physically active older adults: a randomized crossover trial
A1 Ramos-Hernández, Rafael
A1 Miguel Ortega, Alvaro
A1 Martínez Ferrán, María
A1 Fernández-Lázaro, Diego
A1 Busto Vázquez, Natalia
A1 Mielgo Ayuso, Juan
K1 Creatine monohydrate
K1 β-Hydroxy-βmethylbutyrate
K1 Functional strength
K1 Sarcopenia
K1 Older adults
K1 Multicomponent exercise
K1 Muscle quality
K1 Neuromuscular adaptations
K1 Healthy aging
K1 Body composition
K1 Fisiología del ejercicio
K1 Exercise-Physiological aspects
K1 Suplementos nutricionales
K1 Dietary supplements
AB Sarcopenia is a major contributor to frailty and functional decline among older adults. Combining exercise with nutritional strategies such as creatine monohydrate (CRE) and β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) supplementation may help to preserve strength and independence. To evaluate the effects of 6-week CRE + HMB supplementation combined with an integral physical conditioning (IPC) program on functional strength and body composition in physically active older adults. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial, 30 older adults (20 men, 10 women; ≥ 60 years) completed two 6-week intervention periods (CRE + HMB or placebo) separated by a 3-week washout. The IPC program performed in both conditions consisted of four supervised weekly sessions combining strength, power, multicomponent circuits, high-intensity interval and moderate intensity continuous training), performed at 40–100% training heart rate (THR) and 20–90% one-repetition maximum (1RM) and structured as warm-up, main part and cooldown. Functional strength and body composition (bioelectrical impedance analysis) were assessed pre- and post-intervention, respectively. Significant time × group interactions were observed for fat mass, fat-free mass, total muscle mass, skeletal muscle mass, appendicular skeletal muscle mass, muscle mass index, skeletal muscle index and ALM/BMI (all p < 0.05). The CRE + HMB group showed reductions in fat mass and body fat percentage, with slight numerical increases in muscle parameters, whereas the placebo group exhibited opposite trends. However, within-group changes were not statistically significant. In contrast, CRE + HMB significantly improved multiple functional strength outcomes, including leg/back strength, arm flexion strength, upper-body endurance (dumbbell flexion, push-ups, isometric hold) and core endurance (crunches). Regression analyses suggested that these improvements were largely independent of changes in muscle mass, supporting a potential neuromuscular mechanism. Six weeks of CRE + HMB supplementation combined with IPC enhanced functional strength and endurance in active older adults, largely independent of changes in muscle mass. This combined approach represents a promising strategy for preserving functional capacity and promoting healthy ageing.
PB Springer
SN 2509-2715
YR 2025
FD 2025-10
LK https://hdl.handle.net/10259/11211
UL https://hdl.handle.net/10259/11211
LA eng
NO Open access funding provided by FEDER European Funds and the Junta de Castilla y León under the Research and Innovation Strategy for Smart Specialization (RIS3) of Castilla y León 2021-2027. This research did not receive any specific grants from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or notfor-profit sectors.
DS Repositorio Institucional de la Universidad de Burgos
RD 29-abr-2026