Creatine as an ergogenic aid for returning to play in athletes with patellar tendinopathy

Abstract

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This study investigated whether creatine supplementation can speed up recovery and improve performance in athletes with patellar tendinopathy (PT). Twenty male athletes were randomly assigned to a creatine group (CR) or a placebo group (PLA). Both groups completed an 8‑week rehabilitation program including eccentric training, stretching, manual therapy, and shockwave therapy, while consuming either 3 g/day of creatine or a placebo. Assessments were performed before the intervention (PRE), at 4 weeks (MID), and at the end (POST), measuring muscle strength (5-RM), pain (VISA-P), and jump performance (CMJ). Key Findings

Both groups improved strength and reduced pain over the 8 weeks. Only the creatine group showed significant improvements at MID, both in pain reduction and jump performance. The placebo group did not show improvements in vertical jump. Improved jump ability in the creatine group was linked more to pain reduction than to maximal strength gains.

Conclusion Creatine may serve as an ergogenic aid for athletes with patellar tendinopathy, helping them transfer strength gains into functional sports movements—particularly jumping—more effectively during rehabilitation.