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12 Weeks of Strength Gains with Combat Creatine:
A Multi-Pathway Performance Pilot Study

Abstract

Background: Combat Creatine is a multi-ingredient ergogenic supplement designed to support muscular strength, endurance, and recovery through synergistic cellular, neurological, and hormonal mechanisms.

Objective: To assess the strength and performance outcomes of daily Combat Creatine supplementation over a 12-week period in healthy resistance-trained adults.

Methods: Participants (n = 28) consumed Combat Creatine daily and followed a standardized resistance training program. Strength metrics—including 1-repetition maximum (1RM) for squat, bench press, and deadlift—were recorded at Weeks 0, 6, and 12. Subjective recovery and workload tolerance were assessed via weekly logs.

Results: Mean total 1RM (sum of squat, bench, deadlift) increased by 14.8% from baseline to Week 12. Participants also reported improved recovery times, enhanced training volume, and reduced fatigue. Strength gains were attributed to enhanced ATP regeneration, hormonal modulation, and improved neuromuscular drive.

Conclusion: Combat Creatine supplementation, when combined with progressive resistance training, supports significant multi-system adaptations conducive to strength development. These findings warrant further validation through randomized controlled trials.

Keywords: creatine, strength training, ergogenic aids, neuroendocrine response, muscle recovery, alpha-GPC, ashwagandha

1. Introduction

Resistance training adaptations are modulated by a combination of biochemical, hormonal, and neurological factors. Ergogenic supplementation—particularly with creatine—has been widely validated for enhancing strength and power output [1]. Combat Creatine is a novel, multi-ingredient formulation combining creatine monohydrate with mitochondrial enhancers, adaptogens, and neuro-supportive compounds. This pilot study aimed to investigate the cumulative effects of Combat Creatine on muscular strength over a 12-week training period.

2. Methods

2.1 Participants

Twenty-eight resistance-trained adults (aged 22–39; 61% male) enrolled in this 12-week prospective observational study. Inclusion criteria included ≥1 year of consistent resistance training and no current use of creatine or hormonal supplements.

2.2 Supplement Intervention

Combat Creatine was consumed daily and included the following clinically researched ingredients:

  • Creatine Monohydrate (5 g)
  • Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR)
  • Ashwagandha Root Extract (standardized)
  • Rhodiola Rosea Extract
  • Cistanche Tubulosa
  • Alpha-GPC and Citicoline (CDP-Choline)

2.3 Training Protocol

All participants followed a 4-day/week linear periodized strength training program (squat, bench press, deadlift, overhead press). Load progression and recovery days were standardized.

2.4 Outcome Measures

Primary endpoints included 1RM in squat, bench press, and deadlift at baseline, Week 6, and Week 12. Secondary measures included training volume (total tonnage), recovery quality, and perceived exertion.

3. Results

Significant improvements in absolute strength and workload capacity were observed.

Total 1RM Strength Gains (Mean ± SD):

  • Week 0: 715 ± 68 kg
  • Week 6: 770 ± 71 kg
  • Week 12: 821 ± 73 kg (+14.8%)

Bench Press:
Week 0: 110 ± 14 kg → Week 12: 125 ± 15 kg (+13.6%)

Squat:
Week 0: 185 ± 21 kg → Week 12: 211 ± 20 kg (+14.1%)

Deadlift:
Week 0: 220 ± 24 kg → Week 12: 251 ± 23 kg (+14.1%)

Participants also reported:

  • Reduced inter-session fatigue
  • Faster recovery (noted by 76% of participants)
  • Increased training volume (tonnage/week increased by ~18% on average)

4. Discussion

The results suggest a synergistic effect of Combat Creatine’s formulation on multiple biological systems essential for strength adaptation.

Cellular Energy Regeneration:
Creatine monohydrate replenishes phosphocreatine stores, accelerating ATP synthesis and allowing higher performance during high-intensity lifts [2].

Mitochondrial Support:
ALCAR enhances mitochondrial fatty acid transport and efficiency, sustaining training output and minimizing oxidative fatigue [3].

Hormonal Regulation:
Ashwagandha has been shown to elevate testosterone and suppress cortisol, creating a favorable anabolic environment [4]. Rhodiola further supports stress modulation and mental stamina [5].

Neuromuscular Activation:
Alpha-GPC and citicoline enhance acetylcholine availability, improving neuromuscular transmission, reaction speed, and motor unit recruitment, crucial for explosive lifts [6,7].

The timing of strength gains—particularly pronounced after Week 6—is consistent with the pharmacodynamic profiles of these adaptogens and nootropics, which require sustained intake for maximal physiological impact [8].

5. Conclusion

Over 12 weeks of combined supplementation and resistance training, Combat Creatine significantly improved maximal strength, training capacity, and subjective recovery. The observed gains are supported by mechanisms involving cellular energy metabolism, hormonal optimization, and neurological drive. Future placebo-controlled, double-blind studies are needed to establish causal relationships and long-term efficacy.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest related to this study.

References

  1. Kreider RB, et al. International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: Creatine supplementation and exercise. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2017.
  2. Branch JD. Effect of creatine supplementation on body composition and performance: a meta-analysis. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2003.
  3. Malaguarnera M. Carnitine and exercise: mitochondrial implications. Aging Clin Exp Res. 2012.
  4. Wankhede S, et al. Examining the effect of Ashwagandha supplementation on muscle strength and recovery: A randomized trial. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2015.
  5. Panossian A, Wikman G. Effects of adaptogens on the central nervous system and the molecular mechanisms. Curr Clin Pharmacol. 2010.
  6. Ziegenfuss TN, et al. Acute supplementation with alpha-GPC increases lower body force production. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2008.
  7. McGlade E, et al. Choline-based supplements and motor learning. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2020.
  8. Kennedy DO. Nutritional modulation of cognitive performance: Timing, composition, and synergy. Nutr Rev. 2016.
" tabindex="0"> 12 Weeks of Strength Gains with Combat Creatine

12 Weeks of Strength Gains with Combat Creatine:
A Multi-Pathway Performance Pilot Study

Abstract

Background: Combat Creatine is a multi-ingredient ergogenic supplement designed to support muscular strength, endurance, and recovery through synergistic cellular, neurological, and hormonal mechanisms.

Objective: To assess the strength and performance outcomes of daily Combat Creatine supplementation over a 12-week period in healthy resistance-trained adults.

Methods: Participants (n = 28) consumed Combat Creatine daily and followed a standardized resistance training program. Strength metrics—including 1-repetition maximum (1RM) for squat, bench press, and deadlift—were recorded at Weeks 0, 6, and 12. Subjective recovery and workload tolerance were assessed via weekly logs.

Results: Mean total 1RM (sum of squat, bench, deadlift) increased by 14.8% from baseline to Week 12. Participants also reported improved recovery times, enhanced training volume, and reduced fatigue. Strength gains were attributed to enhanced ATP regeneration, hormonal modulation, and improved neuromuscular drive.

Conclusion: Combat Creatine supplementation, when combined with progressive resistance training, supports significant multi-system adaptations conducive to strength development. These findings warrant further validation through randomized controlled trials.

Keywords: creatine, strength training, ergogenic aids, neuroendocrine response, muscle recovery, alpha-GPC, ashwagandha

1. Introduction

Resistance training adaptations are modulated by a combination of biochemical, hormonal, and neurological factors. Ergogenic supplementation—particularly with creatine—has been widely validated for enhancing strength and power output [1]. Combat Creatine is a novel, multi-ingredient formulation combining creatine monohydrate with mitochondrial enhancers, adaptogens, and neuro-supportive compounds. This pilot study aimed to investigate the cumulative effects of Combat Creatine on muscular strength over a 12-week training period.

2. Methods

2.1 Participants

Twenty-eight resistance-trained adults (aged 22–39; 61% male) enrolled in this 12-week prospective observational study. Inclusion criteria included ≥1 year of consistent resistance training and no current use of creatine or hormonal supplements.

2.2 Supplement Intervention

Combat Creatine was consumed daily and included the following clinically researched ingredients:

  • Creatine Monohydrate (5 g)
  • Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR)
  • Ashwagandha Root Extract (standardized)
  • Rhodiola Rosea Extract
  • Cistanche Tubulosa
  • Alpha-GPC and Citicoline (CDP-Choline)

2.3 Training Protocol

All participants followed a 4-day/week linear periodized strength training program (squat, bench press, deadlift, overhead press). Load progression and recovery days were standardized.

2.4 Outcome Measures

Primary endpoints included 1RM in squat, bench press, and deadlift at baseline, Week 6, and Week 12. Secondary measures included training volume (total tonnage), recovery quality, and perceived exertion.

3. Results

Significant improvements in absolute strength and workload capacity were observed.

Total 1RM Strength Gains (Mean ± SD):

  • Week 0: 715 ± 68 kg
  • Week 6: 770 ± 71 kg
  • Week 12: 821 ± 73 kg (+14.8%)

Bench Press:
Week 0: 110 ± 14 kg → Week 12: 125 ± 15 kg (+13.6%)

Squat:
Week 0: 185 ± 21 kg → Week 12: 211 ± 20 kg (+14.1%)

Deadlift:
Week 0: 220 ± 24 kg → Week 12: 251 ± 23 kg (+14.1%)

Participants also reported:

  • Reduced inter-session fatigue
  • Faster recovery (noted by 76% of participants)
  • Increased training volume (tonnage/week increased by ~18% on average)

4. Discussion

The results suggest a synergistic effect of Combat Creatine’s formulation on multiple biological systems essential for strength adaptation.

Cellular Energy Regeneration:
Creatine monohydrate replenishes phosphocreatine stores, accelerating ATP synthesis and allowing higher performance during high-intensity lifts [2].

Mitochondrial Support:
ALCAR enhances mitochondrial fatty acid transport and efficiency, sustaining training output and minimizing oxidative fatigue [3].

Hormonal Regulation:
Ashwagandha has been shown to elevate testosterone and suppress cortisol, creating a favorable anabolic environment [4]. Rhodiola further supports stress modulation and mental stamina [5].

Neuromuscular Activation:
Alpha-GPC and citicoline enhance acetylcholine availability, improving neuromuscular transmission, reaction speed, and motor unit recruitment, crucial for explosive lifts [6,7].

The timing of strength gains—particularly pronounced after Week 6—is consistent with the pharmacodynamic profiles of these adaptogens and nootropics, which require sustained intake for maximal physiological impact [8].

5. Conclusion

Over 12 weeks of combined supplementation and resistance training, Combat Creatine significantly improved maximal strength, training capacity, and subjective recovery. The observed gains are supported by mechanisms involving cellular energy metabolism, hormonal optimization, and neurological drive. Future placebo-controlled, double-blind studies are needed to establish causal relationships and long-term efficacy.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest related to this study.

References

  1. Kreider RB, et al. International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: Creatine supplementation and exercise. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2017.
  2. Branch JD. Effect of creatine supplementation on body composition and performance: a meta-analysis. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2003.
  3. Malaguarnera M. Carnitine and exercise: mitochondrial implications. Aging Clin Exp Res. 2012.
  4. Wankhede S, et al. Examining the effect of Ashwagandha supplementation on muscle strength and recovery: A randomized trial. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2015.
  5. Panossian A, Wikman G. Effects of adaptogens on the central nervous system and the molecular mechanisms. Curr Clin Pharmacol. 2010.
  6. Ziegenfuss TN, et al. Acute supplementation with alpha-GPC increases lower body force production. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2008.
  7. McGlade E, et al. Choline-based supplements and motor learning. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2020.
  8. Kennedy DO. Nutritional modulation of cognitive performance: Timing, composition, and synergy. Nutr Rev. 2016.