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Effects of Short-Term Creatine Monohydrate Supplementation on Anaerobic Power, Repeated-Sprint Capacity, and Maximal Strength in Elite Iraqi Basketball Players: A Randomised Double-Blind Parallel-Group Trial

Muthanna Harith Ekrayyem1
  1. University of Samarra ROR
Published2026-06-12
SectionArticles
LanguageEnglish
Views63
Downloads18
DOIhttps://doi.org/10.65115/swa8m463
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Abstract

This study investigated the effects of short-term creatine monohydrate supplementation versus placebo on anaerobic power, repeated-sprint capacity, and maximal lower limb strength in elite Iraqi basketball players. Using a randomised double-blind parallel-group design, thirty-two male players from the Iraqi Basketball Premier League (age: 22.6 +/- 2.4 years; body mass: 88.4 +/- 9.6 kg) were assigned to a creatine group (CRE, n = 16; 20 g/day for 7 days then 5 g/day for 21 days) or a placebo group (PLA, n = 16; identical maltodextrin capsules). Outcomes included peak and mean anaerobic power (Wingate 30-s test), repeated-sprint mean time and decrement (6 x 20 m), countermovement jump height (CMJ), and 1RM leg press. Post-intervention, CRE demonstrated significantly greater improvements in peak anaerobic power (+142 W; p < 0.001; d = 2.14), mean anaerobic power (+98 W; p < 0.001; d = 1.88), repeated-sprint mean time (-0.14 s; p < 0.001; d = 1.76), sprint decrement (-2.4%; d = 2.34), CMJ height (+3.8 cm; p < 0.001; d = 1.92), and 1RM leg press (+18.6 kg; p < 0.001; d = 2.31) versus PLA. Body mass increased +1.4 kg in CRE (p < 0.001), consistent with creatine-induced water retention. These findings support creatine monohydrate as an effective ergogenic nutritional strategy for enhancing anaerobic performance and maximal strength in elite Iraqi basketball players.

Keywords Creatine Supplementation Basketball Players Anaerobic Power Repeated-Sprint Muscle Strength

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How to cite

Ekrayyem, M.H. (2026). Effects of Short-Term Creatine Monohydrate Supplementation on Anaerobic Power, Repeated-Sprint Capacity, and Maximal Strength in Elite Iraqi Basketball Players: A Randomised Double-Blind Parallel-Group Trial. Al-Malwiya Journal of Sport and Movement Sciences, 1(1). https://doi.org/10.65115/swa8m463

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