Creatine improved some strength tests, while other results remained uncertain
A review of adult trials found small average gains in selected strength and power measures with creatine and training, but handgrip and leg press results were not statistically significant.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
Creatine combined with resistance training produced statistically significant average improvements in bench or chest press strength, squat strength, vertical jump and Wingate peak power. Handgrip and leg press results were not statistically significant. These findings concern measured exercise performance; they do not show a uniform effect across strength tests or all adult populations.
Trial durations and confidence intervals for the reported estimates are absent from the abstract. The authors also identify a need for better-powered trials involving women and older adults.
What researchers found
Bench and chest press strength
Creatine plus resistance training versus placebo; weighted mean difference, p = 0.002. Trial assessment durations were not reported in the abstract.
The training context
The review included studies involving different exercise approaches as well as no exercise. The highlighted positive results came from creatine combined with resistance training, so that context matters when interpreting the findings.
Subgroups need care
Some subgroup estimates were significant in younger adults or men but not in older adults or women. That pattern alone does not establish a true difference in response between these groups.
The original publication
The Effects of Creatine Supplementation on Upper- and Lower-Body Strength and Power: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Kazeminasab F, Kerchi AB, Sharafifard F et al.
Nutrients · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 40944139
- Record checked
AI-assisted research and writing. This explains one selected publication; it is not a complete review of everything known. Our approach.
One more question, understood.
Keep track of the research you’ve explored.