The effect of creatine supplementation on the response of central and peripheral pulse wave velocity to high-intensity resistance exercise

Following a bout of high-intensity resistance exercise, a transient increase in arterial stiffness, as measured through central pulse wave velocity has been shown to occur. Preliminary creatine supplementation research has demonstrated the potential for creatine to alter select measures of arterial stiffness. This study examines whether creatine supplementation independently influences the resistance exercise response of both central and peripheral pulse wave velocity. Forty healthy participants completed a high-intensity knee extension protocol demonstrated to cause increases in pulse wave velocity, both before and after 7 days of supplementing with creatine (n = 21) or placebo (n = 19) at 21 g/day. Resting and post-exercise measures of blood pressure, central (immediately and 20 min post) and peripheral (25 min post) pulse wave velocity were collected. No significant difference in the response of central pulse wave velocity was observed between creatine or placebo supplementation (p < 0.05) following high-intensity resistance exercise, as both groups revealed increases from pre-exercise to immediately post-exercise (p < 0.01). Similarly, no differences between groups were apparent for the peripheral pulse wave velocity response to exercise (p = 0.4). The current evidence does not support creatine supplementation as an effective intervention for reductions in arterial stiffness occurring with resistance exercise.