Effects of Creatine Supplementation on Cognitive Measures and Markers of Acute Kidney Injury After Exercise in the Heat
University of Northern Iowa
Summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if one week of creatine monohydrate supplementation alters inflammation, markers of acute kidney injury (AKI) risk, and cognitive performance in active, young, healthy volunteers. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Does one-week of creatine supplementation alter urinary markers of inflammation (cytokines) during exercise in the heat when compared to placebo? 2. Does one-week of creatine supplementation alter markers of AKI during exercise in the heat when compared to placebo? 3. Does one-week of creatine supplementation attenuate reductions in cognitive measures as a response of fatigue from exertional heat stress. Researchers will compare creatine monohydrate to a placebo (maltodextrin) to see if it alters inflammation, risk of acute kidney injury, and cognition after exercise in the heat. Participants will : * Complete a baseline aerobic exercise test to measure VO2max * Ingest 20 grams per day of creatine monohydrate or placebo (maltodextrin) for seven consecutive days * Cycle for 90 minutes in a heated chamber (38 C, \~40% relative humidity), alternating low- and high-intensity exercise * Self-collect urine before, after, and one-hour after exercise * Self-insert a rectal thermistor to measure core temperature * Complete cognitive tasks using the NIH toolbox before and after exercise to assess cognition * Complete the other condition (placebo or creatine) at least 21 days later
Description
The outlined research questions/ hypotheses will require 3 visits (1 baseline, then 2 experimental trials) to the UNI Exercise Physiology Lab. The first (baseline) visit will involve completing paperwork (informed consent, health history questionnaire, physical activity readiness questionnaire; PAR-Q+), familiarization of cognitive assessment techniques, anthropometric assessments, and a maximal effort, graded exercise test. Baseline Visit: \- Height and weight will be measured using a standing stadiometer and InBody bioimpedance analyses full body analyzer * Baseline/ Familiarization Cogn…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–45 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * Age range: 18-45 years old * Physical Activity Level: Classified as 'active' using the criteria of engaging in planned exercise at least 3x/week, for a minimum of 30 minutes per session, over the past 3 months * Aerobic Fitness Level: Subjects must have an aerobic fitness classification of at least 'good' per American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) criteria and assessed via maximal oxygen uptake test * Health Status: Free of any known cardiovascular, metabolic, renal, or neurologic conditions. * Physical Limitations: Indicates no physical limitations to cycling for \~…
Interventions
- Dietary SupplementCreatine Monohydrate
20 grams per day of creatine monohydrate for 7 days, followed by 1 day of 5 grams of supplementation.
- Dietary SupplementMaltodextrin (Placebo)
Participants will ingest 20 grams per day for 7 days, followed by 1 day of 5 grams.
Location
- Wellness and Recreation CenterCedar Falls, Iowa