The Claim

In young, healthy men aged 18–25, daily supplementation with 20 grams of creatine monohydrate during one week of upper-limb immobilization reduces the decline in elbow flexor endurance by 33.4 percentage points compared to placebo, preserving muscular fatigue resistance during disuse.

Source: Effect of Creatine Supplementation During Cast-Induced Immobilization on the Preservation of Muscle Mass, Strength, and Endurance

What the research says

Supports is higher

Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.

Supports
57score
Challenges
0score

These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.

Cause and effect
1 study reviewed
In plain English

In young healthy men aged 18–25, taking 20 grams of creatine monohydrate daily for one week during arm immobilization reduces the loss of elbow flexor endurance by 33.4 percentage points compared to taking a placebo.

See the scientific wording

In young, healthy men aged 18–25, daily supplementation with 20 grams of creatine monohydrate during one week of upper-limb immobilization likely reduces the decline in elbow flexor endurance by 33.4 percentage points compared to placebo, preserving muscular fatigue resistance during disuse.

Why this might work

Creatine fills muscle cells with a special energy reserve that quickly recharges the fuel used for muscle contractions. When the arm is immobilized and muscles are not used, this reserve keeps the muscles working longer before they tire, preventing the usual drop in endurance.

Supported mechanismbased on 1 study

What the research says

1 study
  1. Study: Effect of Creatine Supplementation During Cast-Induced Immobilization on the Preservation of Muscle Mass, Strength, and Endurance

    When young men had their arm stuck in a cast for a week, those who took creatine lost much less arm endurance than those who took a sugar pill—exactly as the claim says. Creatine helped them keep their arm strength better.

Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies

Fit Body Science verdict — we translate health claims into clear verdicts backed by peer-reviewed research.

Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.