Energy replenishers in speleological practice: Creatine and branched-chain amino acids. A scientifically controlled trial

A scientifically controlled trial was performed to evaluate the effects of energy replenishers with creatine and branched-chain amino acids upon caving performances. Following treatment with creatine and branched-chain amino acids or with placebos, ten healthy cavers carried out a caving trip. Subsequently the same group performed the same exercise, but with the treatments inverted. Anaerobic and aerobic effort seemed to be improved by creatine administration, with a reduction of times for individual activities and a reduction of fatigue. Whereas it is acknowledged that most of the underlying observations do not yet have statistical significance, the analysis of all the data suggests an improvement of all parameters in the treated subjects. Laboratory data relating to muscular stress indicate significant minor muscular damage in the treated subjects. This might be explained as a side effect of the creatine and branched-chain amino acids.