EFFECT OF CREATINE SUPPLEMENTATION ON BRAIN NEUROTRANSMITTERS AFTER AN EXHAUSTIVE AEROBIC EXERCISE

MOGHADASI, M.; RAHIMI, E.; MAHANI, M. N.; MOLAEE, A. A. Effect of creatine supplementation on brain neurotransmitters after an exhaustive aerobic exercise. Brazilian Journal of Biomotricity. v. 6, n. 3, p. 213-221, 2012. While the role of creatine in preventing muscle (peripheral) fatigue for high performance athletes is well understood, its biochemical role in prevention of mental (central) fatigue is not. Thus the purpose of this study was to investigate central fatigue factors after an exhaustive aerobic exercise following CrS. Twenty untrained male subjects participated in a placebo (Plc, n=10)/creatine (Cr, n=10), double-blind study conducted over 7 days period. The Cr group received 20 g (4 × 5 g) creatine monohydrate per day and Plc group received the same dosage of a glucose polymer. Each subject performed a graded treadmill exercise test to complete exhaustion. Serotonin (5-HT) levels increased(P<0.05) immediately after the exercise in the Plc group and the decrease of 5-HT concentration was quickly in the Cr group than the Plc group (P<0.05). Additionally, although dopamine (DA) levels were higher in the Cr group immediately after the exercise and during the recovery, no significant difference between two groups was observed. These findings suggest that although CrS effective to reduce blood 5-HT after an exhaustive aerobic exercise, DA levels were not affected by CrS.