Effect of vibration training and creatine supplementation on neuromuscular

The aim of this study was to evaluate the short-term effects of creatine supplementation in combination with vibration exercise on physical fitness and neuromuscular performance of elderly women. The study population included women aged over 60 years. For this purpose, 22 healthy elderly females were selected and randomly divided into three groups: vibration exercise with creatine supplementation (n=8), vibration exercise with placebo (n=7), and control (n=7) groups. Vibration exercise with creatine supplementation group, performed exercises which included six posture exercises, based on the principle of overload, for 10 days, with a frequency of 30-35 Hz and amplitude of 5 mm; and at the same time, received 20 grams creatine, for the first 5-day, and 5 grams creatine, for the later 5-day, daily. Vibration exercise with placebo group, instead of creatine, received dextrose. Evaluation factors were the static strength of hands and feet (dynamometer), the dynamic power of leg (knee open device), the static balance (standing on one leg), and dynamic balance (lifted and walking), the lower body performance (30 meters walk, tandem gate and get up and sit on a chair), and flexibility (sit and delivery). ANOVA and analysis of covariance statistical tests were used to examine the main effects; and post hoc Tukey and Sidak tests, were used to compare pairs of groups (P≤0.05). The results of ANOVA showed that there was no significant difference between the groups in the static power (P=0.89), lower body function in tandem gate test (P=0.25), and flexibility (P=0.59); but the static power and performance of leg in 30-meter walk test, was better in vibration exercise with creatine supplementation group than the control group (P<0.016 and 0.02, respectively). In addition, the results of covariance test showed that there was no significant difference between the groups in the static balance variables (P=0.11) and the getting up and sitting on performances (P=0.68); but both groups of vibration exercise with creatine supplementation, and vibration exercise and placebo, had better performance in the dynamic balance (P=0.001and P=0.009, respectively), and the dynamic power of leg (P=0.001and P=0.001, respectively), than the control group. Regarding to the results of the present study, it seems that vibration exercise with creatine supplementation in the short term, can lead to a significant improvement in the static and dynamic power of feet, dynamic balance and 30-meter walk performance in elderly women. Furthermore, it appears that creatine supplementation along with whole-body vibration exercise may have further impact on the static power of leg, and 30-meter walk performance.