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Optimising Creatine Dosing Strategies for Brain Health in Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

Manchester Metropolitan University Faculty of Science and Engineering
Partially Funded 🎓 Biological Sciences 🎓 Neuroscience brain imaging creatine brain health mild traumatic brain injury brain energy metabolism human trials cognitive assessment nutritional strategies

Investigate how creatine dosing affects brain health after mild traumatic brain injury. Utilize human trials and advanced brain imaging to discover effective supplementation strategies that could improve clinical outcomes and athletic recovery.

AI-generated overview

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Why This Research Matters

This research addresses a critical need to optimise brain recovery strategies after mild traumatic brain injury through nutritional intervention. By refining creatine supplementation protocols, it could improve cognitive outcomes for affected individuals in both clinical and athletic contexts, potentially influencing guidelines and care practices worldwide.

Creatine Supplementation Brain Energy Metabolism Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Cognitive Assessment Brain Imaging Nutritional Neuroscience

Project Description

Project Overview

This research focuses on optimising creatine monohydrate dosing strategies to support brain health, particularly following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Creatine plays a crucial role in brain energy metabolism, but optimal dosing, timing, and duration for brain benefits remain unclear. The project will explore how these factors influence brain creatine availability and markers of brain function and recovery.

What You Will Do

You will design and conduct human trials, utilize advanced brain imaging techniques, and perform cognitive assessments to examine the effects of creatine supplementation. Expertise in experimental design, clinical research methods, and data analysis will be developed. Collaboration across neuroscience, nutrition, and sports medicine fields will be integral, supported by access to state-of-the-art laboratories.

Expected Outcomes

The project aims to generate evidence-based guidelines for creatine dosing strategies to improve brain recovery after mTBI. Findings could directly impact clinical practice and sport-specific nutritional recommendations, benefiting both athletic and non-athletic populations affected by brain injury.

Why This Matters

Understanding how to optimise creatine supplementation addresses a significant gap in brain injury recovery strategies. By advancing knowledge of nutritional approaches to brain energy metabolism after mTBI, this research has potential to enhance recovery outcomes and quality of life for many.

Entry Requirements

Applicants should have an undergraduate degree in Sport and Exercise Science or a Biosciences-related discipline. A Master’s degree in a relevant subject is favourable but not essential. Laboratory experience, including through dissertations or voluntary work, is highly desirable but not mandatory.

How to Apply

Contact Prof Craig Sale for queries. Apply online for the full-time PhD in Sports & Exercise Science via the University's Admissions Portal. Submit the Doctoral Project Applicant Form, CV, and covering letter demonstrating alignment with project aims and research interests in the supporting documents section.

Eligibility

UK/Home
EU
International

Supervisor Profile

PC
Prof Craig Sale
Manchester Metropolitan University, Faculty of Science and Engineering
13716 Citations
58 h-index
Google Scholar

Prof Craig Sale is a researcher affiliated with Manchester Metropolitan University, with expertise spanning neuroscience, nutrition, and sports medicine. His work focuses on muscle and brain metabolism, including dietary supplementation effects on human performance and recovery. He is well-published and recognized for his contributions to exercise physiology and brain health research.

Key Publications

2006 920 citations
The absorption of orally supplied β-alanine and its effect on muscle carnosine synthesis in human vastus lateralis
This paper demonstrated how oral β-alanine is absorbed and increases muscle carnosine levels in human muscle, a key factor in muscle endurance.
2007 851 citations
Influence of β-alanine supplementation on skeletal muscle carnosine concentrations and high intensity cycling capacity
This study showed β-alanine supplementation elevates muscle carnosine concentration and improves high intensity cycling performance.
2012 692 citations
Effects of β-alanine supplementation on exercise performance: a meta-analysis
This meta-analysis quantified the positive effects of β-alanine supplementation on various exercise performance metrics.
2015 582 citations
International society of sports nutrition position stand: Beta-Alanine
This position stand summarized current research on Beta-Alanine supplementation and provided evidence-based guidelines for its use.
2017 462 citations
β-alanine supplementation to improve exercise capacity and performance: a systematic review and meta-analysis
This systematic review consolidated evidence that β-alanine supplementation enhances exercise capacity and performance.

Research Contributions

Investigated the effects of β-alanine supplementation on muscle carnosine levels and exercise performance.
Supported the development of dietary supplements to improve athletic performance and endurance.
Conducted meta-analyses and systematic reviews on the efficacy of β-alanine in sports nutrition.
Provided strong evidence and guidelines for practitioners and athletes on effective supplementation strategies.
Explored nutritional impacts on bone health and exercise-induced metabolic changes.
Advanced understanding of nutrition's role in musculoskeletal health and performance across lifespan.

More PhDs with Prof Craig Sale

Optimising Creatine Dosing Strategies for Brain Health in Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Manchester Metropolitan University Prof Craig Sale 🎓 Biological Sciences 🎓 Neuroscience Deadline: 22 May 2026

Explore how creatine dosing can be optimized to support brain recovery after mild traumatic brain injury. Conduct human trials using advanced imaging and cognitive testing to inform nutritional strategies with potential…

This research addresses a critical gap in understanding how creatine supplementation can improve brain health following mild traumatic brai…

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Creatine Supplementation Brain Energy Metabolism Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Dosing Strategies
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Explore how creatine supplementation can be optimised to support brain health, especially after mild traumatic brain injury. Combine human trials and brain imaging to discover effective dosing strategies that improve br…

This research is vital for improving clinical approaches to brain injury recovery, offering potential new nutritional guidelines that could…

13716+ citations · h58
Creatine Supplementation Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Brain Energy Metabolism Neuroprotection

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