Measuring Uniformed Servicemembers' Fitness Scores on Creatine Loading and Exercise

The purpose of this study is to compare the physical fitness performance—as measured by the
Air Force Physical Fitness Test (PFT)—of subjects that, in conjunction with exercise, will
take creatine supplementation over a four week period versus those that do not. Based on the
literature, there is evidence to support that creatine supplementation may increase available
levels of muscle phosphocreatine (PCr), an important energy reservoir that is initially
expended with intense muscular contraction and then regenerated during episodes of rest.
While mechanistically plausible, the effects of creatine on the specific measures of the PFT
(push-ups, sit-ups, 1.5 mile run, and abdominal circumference) have not been evaluated. The
target population is Active Duty Air Force (ADAF) service members who perform perform the
PFT. As such, this represents a population with occupational requirements to maintain their
fitness at a designated level. If short-term creatine supplementation does help to improve
PFT scores, trainers, commanders, and unit physicians may wish to consider recommending its
use. While generally considered safe, additional data will also be collected to evaluate both
the qualitative and quantitative side-effects of creatine supplementation over the study
period. If the hypothesis is correct and creatine supplementation is shown to be both
effective and safe, additional studies may be warranted to evaluate its impact on ADAF
service members who have failed the PFT and/or are at risk of being separated from the AF for
unsatisfactory fitness performance. In short, this study has the potential to dramatically
affect the recommendations and practices of ADAF service members related to use of creatine
supplementation.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Male or Female

- Age ≥18

- Willing to exercise five days per week for four weeks, performing each component of
the AF PFT at least once per week

- Willing to adhere to a prescribed supplementation regimen, including spaced dosing two
times per day

- Able to meet all study follow-up and testing requirements as outlined in section 6.4
of this protocol

Exclusion Criteria:

- History of:

- Chronic kidney dysfunction

- Liver failure

- Rhabdomyolysis

- Compartment syndrome

- Current

- Pregnancy

- Musculoskeletal injury

- Fitness exemption from any component of the AF PFT (e.g. AF 469, "profile")

- Kidney injury

- Diabetes

- Hypertension, requiring medication

- Allergy to rice

- Admission to the hospital within the past 30 days

- Creatine supplementation within the past 90 days