The Study
The impact of creatine supplementation associated with resistance training on muscular strength and lean tissue mass in the aged: a systematic review and meta-analysis
This study looked at lots of small experiments where people took creatine and lifted weights, and found that, on average, their legs got stronger and they gained a little muscle. But it didn't prove creatine caused it—just that it usually happened together. Think of it like noticing that people who eat more carrots often have better eyesight—but that doesn't mean carrots alone fix your vision.
Analysis score
Maximum 100 for a systematic review with meta-analysis.
Where the score came from
Taking creatine while doing strength training helps older people build muscle and get stronger—but only if they do it for less than 8 months. After that, it stops working.
Where does this study sit?
Reviews of RCTs (Meta-analyses)
Max 100Randomized Trials
Max 90Reviews of Cohort Studies
Max 85Cohort Studies
Max 72Reviews of Case-Control Studies
Max 63Case-Control Studies
Max 58Cross-Sectional & Case Series
Max 50Expert Opinion
Max 565 / 100
Quality score
The highest quality evidence. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses that pool randomized controlled trials, giving the most reliable summary of experimental evidence.
Key takeaways
Summary
Based on the study abstract and findings.
- 1Yes—this means older adults should plan creatine use in short bursts with training, not long-term, to get the most benefit for walking, climbing stairs, and staying independent.
- 2After 32 weeks: lower body strength up by 0.29, lean mass up by 0.57.
- 3After 52 weeks: no improvement.
- 4Upper body gets stronger only if under 32 weeks (SMD=0.45).
Score breakdown, methodology, conflicts of interest, evidence analysis & raw study data
Publication
Journal
European Review of Aging and Physical Activity
Year
2025
Authors
Shao-Yi Liu, Nan Huang, Wenjuan Wu, Xin‐ye Ouyang, Yu Luo, Yanbiao Zhong, Maoyuan Wang, Li Xiao
Related Content
Claims (6)
Creatine supplementation reduces the loss of muscle mass during hormonal shifts.
In older adults, taking creatine with resistance training increases muscle strength and lean mass in the legs consistently over 32 weeks, but the same effect in the arms is temporary and fades within that time.
In healthy adults aged 50 and older, taking creatine with resistance training for 32 weeks or less is associated with a moderate increase in upper limb strength, but no significant change occurs when the training lasts 52 weeks or longer.
In adults aged 50 and older, taking creatine while doing resistance training for 32 weeks or less increases lower limb strength and lean tissue mass. Longer training periods do not produce additional gains.
In healthy adults aged 50 and older, taking creatine while doing resistance training for 32 weeks or less leads to a moderate increase in lean tissue mass, but this increase does not remain after 52 weeks of training.
In adults aged 50 and older, taking creatine while doing resistance training for 32 weeks or less is linked to moderate increases in lower limb strength and lean tissue mass.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.