Short-term creatine supplementation gives strength and power a boost

The "Holy Grail" of supplements is a supplement that increases performance after just a few days of use. Substances such as anabolic steroids, growth hormones, insulin and IGF-1 build strength and mass, but they have little or no short-term effect. The intake of creatine monohydrate during the days leading up to a weightlifting competition, soccer match, golf tournament or track and field event could lead to a measurable increase in performance. Creatine monohydrate increases the amount of the available high-energy cellular energy carrier creatine phosphate and stimulates the synthesis of protein.
Researchers at the University of Oklahoma, led by Joel Cramer, found that three days of isokinetic training combined with 8 days of creatine supplementation (21 grams per day) increased strength and speed in 25 college-aged men. The scientists were unable to detect any changes in neuromuscular function using an electrotromyograph (measurement of muscle activation by the nervous system). Short-term training in conjunction with creatine supplementation is helpful for increasing strength and preparing athletes for competition.
(Journal Strength Conditioning Research, 21: 668-677, 2007)