Impact of creatine supplementation and exercise training in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The aim of this study is to assess the effects of the combination of and exercise training on older adults’ physical performance and body composition. This meta-analysis was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed databases (date of access: 30 August 2024) were queried. Twenty articles met the inclusion criteria and a total of 1093 participants (69% females and 31% males) were included in the study. The mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and the overall effect size was calculated for all comparisons between the creatine plus exercise training group and placebo plus exercise training group. The PEDro scale was used to evaluate the quality of articles. Our findings showed that creatine intake and exercise training significantly affect 1RM (kg) in older adults (mean difference = 2.122, Z = 3.255, P = 0.001). There was a significant effect on fat percentage (%) in older adults (mean difference = -0.548, Z = -2.231, P = 0.026), while creatine intake and exercise training did not have a significant effect on bone mineral density (BMD) of total body (g/cm²) in older adults (mean difference = 0.009, Z = 0.587, P = 0.557). By participating in exercise training programs and creatine supplementation, older adults can improve their functional performance and body composition. However, the effects of exercise training and creatine supplementation on BMD require further study (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42024581817).