Studia Kinanthropologica

Studia Kinanthropologica 2025, 26(3):121-128 | DOI: 10.32725/sk.2025.010

The effect of creatine supplementation on short-term memory and interpretation of gymnastic elements in recreational athletes (pilot study)

J. Suchý, M. Suk, & Š. Panská

Karlova Univerzita, Pedagogická fakulta, Katedra tělesné výchovy

This pilot study aimed to evaluate the effect of a seven-day creatine or placebo supplementation on the interpretation and execution of gymnastic elements among healthy recreational athletes (n = 10, age: 22–25 years). During both the pre-test and post-test sessions, participants were given one minute to study ten described and printed gymnastic floor elements. They were then asked to verbally recall the elements and immediately perform them. Between the two testing sessions, participants supplemented daily with either 20 mg of creatine (n = 5) or a placebo—maltodextrin (n = 5). No significant differences were observed between the control and experimental groups during the pre-test. In the posttest, there were no statistically or practically significant differences in the number of recalled elements. However, the number of executed elements showed a statistically significant improvement (p < 0.05) in the creatine group compared to the control group. The practical significance (Cohen’s d = 0.73) indicated a medium effect size. Seven-day creatine supplementation positively influenced the execution of gymnastic positions and elements but did not enhance their memorization.

Keywords: dietary supplements; creatine; memory; gymnastics

Received: July 14, 2025; Revised: October 12, 2025; Accepted: October 16, 2025; Published: January 28, 2026  Show citation