Caffeine Anhydrous

The effects of caffeine were investigated in judo, boxing, taekwondo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. However, this substance was never investigated regarding traditional jiu-jitsu. Therefore, the aim of this research was to analyze the effects of caffeine in the Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT) and technical variables during combat in traditional jiu-jitsu elite athletes. Methods: Twenty-two young professionals of traditional jiu-jitsu, 11 men and 11 women (age = 22 ± 4 (18−33) years, body mass = 66.6 ± 10.8 (46.2−86.1) kg, height = 1.70 ± 0.9 (1.55−1.85) m) with 15 ± 7 years of experience in traditional jiu-jitsu, participated in a double-blind, counterbalanced, crossover study. In two different conditions, the traditional jiu-jitsu athletes ingested 3 mg/kg body mass of caffeine or a placebo. After 60 min, they performed the SJFT test to measure throwing performance, and subsequently, combat to analyze offensive and defensive hitting techniques. Results: Caffeine had a main effect on the number of throws during the SJFT test (P < 0.01). In addition, it was effective in sets 2 (13 ± 2 vs. 14 ± 2; p = 0.01) and 3 (12 ± 2 vs. 13 ± 1; p = 0.03). There was also a main effect during the test on heart rate when caffeine was ingested (F = 12.48, p < 0.01). The effects of caffeine were similar compared to the placebo condition regarding performance during combat both in offensive and defensive fighting variables Conclusions: the pre-exercise ingestion of 3 mg/kg body mass of caffeine increased performance in the SJFT test, decreased fatigue perception, and increased power and endurance perception in professionally traditional jiu-jitsu athletes. However, it did not seem to improve offensive and defensive technical actions during combat.

Caffeine is often used in a variety of forms to enhance athletic performance; however, research regarding caffeine's effects on strength and power in female athletes is lacking. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyze the acute effects of caffeine anhydrous (6 mg/kg of body mass) on jumping performance and maximal strength in female collegiate athletes. Eleven athletes (19.7 ± 0.9 yrs; 166.4 ± 10.2 cm, 67.7 ± 9.4 kg) performed two testing sessions separated by one week, and randomly received caffeine or placebo using a double-blind approach. Heart rate, blood pressure, and tympanic temperature were recorded before athletes received each condition, following 60 min of quiet sitting, and directly after performance testing. Athletes were assessed on unweighted and weighted squat jump height (SJH0, SJH20) and countermovement jump height (CMJH0, CMJH20), isometric mid-thigh pull peak force (IPF), and rate of force development from 0-200 ms (RFD200). Resting systolic blood pressure was significantly greater following caffeine administration compared to a placebo (p = 0.017). There were small, significant differences in SJH0 (p = 0.035, g = 0.35), SJH20 (p = 0.002, g = 0.49), CMJH0 (p = 0.015, g = 0.19), and CMJH20 (p < 0.001, g = 0.37) in favor of caffeine over placebo. However, there was no significant difference in IPF (p = 0.369, g = 0.12) and RFD200 (p = 0.235, g = 0.32) between conditions. Therefore, caffeine appears to enhance jumping performance, but not maximal strength in female collegiate athletes. Effects of Creatine and Caffeine Supplementation During Resistance Training on Body Composition, Strength, Endurance, Rating of Perceived Exertion and Fatigue in Trained Young Adults. Pakulak A(1), Candow DG(1), Totosy de Zepetnek J(1), Forbes SC(2), Basta D(3). Author information: (1)Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies, University of Regina, Regina, Canada. (2)Faculty of Education, Department of Physical Education, Brandon University, Brandon, Canada. (3)University Sport Center, University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy. The primary purpose was to determine the separate and combined effects of creatine and caffeine supplementation during resist

3. J Diet Suppl. 2022;19(5):587-602. doi: 10.1080/19390211.2021.1904085. Epub 2021 Mar 24. Effects of Creatine and Caffeine Supplementation During Resistance Training on Body Composition, Strength, Endurance, Rating of Perceived Exertion and Fatigue in Trained Young Adults. Pakulak A(1), Candow

Three experiments examined the effects of chronic pre-exposure to caffeine on the subsequent conditioned and unconditioned locomotor activating effects of nicotine or amphetamine in rats. Rats were given daily intraperitoneal injections of caffeine anhydrous (0, 10 or 30 mg/kg base) for 30 days. Conditioning (environment-drug pairings) began after the last day of caffeine pre-exposure. Pre-exposure to 30 mg/kg of caffeine enhanced the acute and chronic locomotor effects of amphetamine (0.5 mg/kg). A similar enhancement of activity was not seen with the high (0.421 mg/kg base) or low dose (0.175 mg/kg) of nicotine. In a drug-free test, the distinct environment paired with amphetamine and the high dose of nicotine evoked increases in activity relative to controls. Caffeine pre-exposure did not affect expression of this conditioned hyperactivity. These effects of caffeine pre-exposure on amphetamine-induced activity could not be attributed to non-specific effects of caffeine.

The ergogenic effects of caffeine for endurance performance at sea level are well established. However, whether caffeine enhances exercise capacity or modulates cardiorespiratory responses in hypoxia remains unclear. Twenty-nine healthy, active volunteers (14 women) completed four tests in a pseudorandomized order, comprising 10 min of steady-state cycling (40% normoxic maximal aerobic power) followed by incremental exercise tests to exhaustion. Participants consumed 6 mg/kg body mass anhydrous caffeine, or placebo, 45 min before exercise. Tests were performed while breathing room air or a hypoxic gas mixture (simulating ∼3,500 m). At peak exercise intensity, oxygen uptake was affected by condition (hypoxia vs. normoxia; 44.8 ± 7.3 vs. 51.4 ± 7.9 ml·kg-1·min-1; p < .001) but not supplement (caffeine vs. placebo; 48.2 ± 8.2 vs. 48.0 ± 8.4 ml·kg-1·min-1; p = .501). Maximal aerobic power and pulse oxygen saturation were lower in hypoxia (both p < .001), but unaffected by caffeine (p = .061 and .898, respectively). Pulmonary ventilation was unaffected by hypoxia (p = .154) or caffeine (p = .117). Heart rate was higher in normoxia and with caffeine (both p < .001). During steady-state cycling, hypoxia (p < .001) and caffeine (p = .026) increased pulmonary ventilation. However, the hypoxia-induced pulse oxygen saturation decrease (p < .001) was not attenuated with caffeine (interaction p = .283). Perceived exertion was higher in hypoxia (p < .001) and lower with caffeine (p = .026). Caffeine increased vastus lateralis oxygenation in hypoxia (caffeine vs. placebo; 52 ± 8 vs. 50 ± 10%; p = .020) but not in normoxia (caffeine vs. placebo; 59 ± 7 vs. 59 ± 8%; p > .999). Overall, caffeine did not enhance exercise capacity in either environmental condition. However, during steady-state cycling, caffeine enhanced pulmonary ventilation, reduced perceived exertion, and mitigated hypoxia-induced muscle oxygenation reductions.

The problem addressed in this study is the appropriateness of using different pre-training supplementation strategies and their ability to improve training performance and psychological measures. The aim of the study is the evaluation of the effectiveness of a multi-ingredient pre-workout supplement (MIPS) containing beta-alanine, L-citrulline malate, arginine alpha-ketoglutarate, L-taurine, L-tyrosine and caffeine compared to an exact dosage of anhydrous caffeine in bench press strength endurance, feeling scale (FS), felt arousal scale (FAS) and session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE). A group of fifteen resistance-trained males, weighing 83.92 ± 8.95 kg and having an average of 5.6 ± 3.38 years of training experience, tested their bench press 10 repetition maximum (79.01 ± 12.13). In a cross-over manner, they participated in two sessions where they were blinded to the order of supplementation they were given: either a MIPS including caffeine or caffeine alone. They completed the bench press strength endurance test with pre- and post-training psychological assessments containing FS, FAS and sRPE. Bench press repetition volume was greater after anhydrous caffeine than MIPS supplementation with no difference in psychological measures. These results indicate that MIPS supplementation is less ergogenic and cost effective than caffeine alone.

BACKGROUND: Caffeine is a popular nutritional supplement among athletes. It is frequently used as an ergogenic aid to improve physical performance, delay fatigue, and increase muscle power. However, these effects have not been tested in CrossFit athletes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of acute caffeine supplementation on workout performance, power, markers of muscle damage, and soreness in trained CrossFit men. METHODS: Nine men (28±2 years) with experience in CrossFit (2±0.3 years) were investigated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial, with a 7-day washout between treatment periods. The athletes received anhydrous caffeine (CAF: 6 mg/kg body mass) or placebo (PLA) 60 minutes before a CrossFit workout with tasks that involved muscle strength, power, gymnastic movements, and metabolic conditioning. Blood samples were collected for creatine kinase (CK), C-reactive protein, and glucose determination. Workout performance, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), muscle strength (handgrip strength) and power (bench throw, jump squat and countermovement jump) were also evaluated. RESULTS: CAF resulted in higher glucose concentration after workout compared to PLA (+3.2 mmol/L, 95% CI: 2.1 to 4.3 vs. +1.5, 95% CI: -0.1 to 3.0 mmol/L, P=0.01). No differences were found between treatments in workout performance, CK, DOMS, RPE, muscle power and strength. CONCLUSIONS: Acute CAF supplementation did not alter performance, markers of muscle damage, power, and RPE in trained CrossFit men.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the effects of coffee ingestion with supplemental caffeine (CAF) on serum testosterone (T) responses to exercise in recreationally strength-trained males. METHODS: Subjects ingested 6 mg/kg body weight of caffeine via 12 ounces of coffee (CAF) supplemented with anhydrous caffeine or decaffeinated (DEC) coffee prior to exercise in a randomized, within-subject, crossover design. The exercise session consisted of 21 minutes of high-intensity interval cycling (alternating intensities at power outputs associated with 2.0 mmol/L lactate for two minutes and 4.0 mmol/L lactate for one minute) followed by resistance exercise (seven exercises, three sets of ten repetitions, 65% 1RM, one-minute rest periods). Subjects also completed repetitions to fatigue tests and soreness scales to determine muscle recovery 24 hours following the exercise. RESULTS: T was elevated immediately and 30-minutes post-exercise by 20.5% and 14.3% respectively (P<0.05). There was no main effect for treatment and no exercise x treatment interaction. There were no differences in repetitions to fatigue or soreness between treatments (P>0.05). No relationships were observed between T and any proxy of recovery. CONCLUSIONS: While past literature suggests caffeine may enhance T post-exercise, data from the current study suggest that augmented T response is not evident following anhydrous caffeine added to coffee. The duration of T elevation indicates that this protocol is beneficial to creating long-lasting increases in serum testosterone.

BACKGROUND: Increased ATP levels may enhance training-induced muscle accretion and fat loss, and caffeine is a known ergogenic aid. A novel supplement containing ancient peat and apple extracts has reported enhanced mitochondrial ATP production and it has been coupled with an extended-release caffeine. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to determine the effects of this supplement on body composition when used in conjunction with 12 weeks of resistance training. METHODS: Twenty-one resistance-trained subjects (27.2 ± 5.6y; 173.5 ± 5.7 cm; 82.8 ± 12.0 kg) completed this study. Subjects supplemented daily with either 1 serving of the supplement (TRT), which consisted of 150 mg ancient peat and apple extracts, 180 mg blend of caffeine anhydrous and pterostilbene-bound caffeine, and 38 mg B vitamins, or an equal-volume, visually-identical placebo (PLA) 45 min prior to training or at the same time of day on rest days. Supervised resistance training consisted of 8 weeks of daily undulating periodized training followed by a 2-week overreach and a 2-week taper phase. Body composition was assessed using DEXA and ultrasound at weeks 0, 4, 8, 10, and 12. Vital signs and blood markers were assessed at weeks 0, 8, and 12. RESULTS: Significant group x time (p < 0.05) interactions were present for cross-sectional area of the rectus femoris, which increased in TRT (+1.07 cm(2)) versus PLA (-0.08 cm(2)), as well as muscle thickness (TRT: +0.49 cm; PLA: +0.04 cm). A significant group x time (p < 0.05) interaction existed for creatinine (TRT: +0.00 mg/dL; PLA: +0.15 mg/dL) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (TRT: -0.70 mL/min/1.73; PLA: -14.6 mL/min/1.73), which remained within clinical ranges, but no other significant observations were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Supplementation with a combination of extended-release caffeine and ancient peat and apple extracts may enhance resistance training-induced skeletal muscle hypertrophy without adversely affecting blood chemistry.

BACKGROUND: Achieving fat-loss outcomes by ingesting multi-ingredient mixtures may be further enhanced during exercise. This study tested the acute thermogenic effectiveness of a commercially available multi-ingredient product (Shred-Matrix®), containing Green Tea Extract, Yerba Maté, Guarana Seed Extract, Anhydrous caffeine, Saw palmetto, Fo-Ti, Eleuthero root, Cayenne Pepper, and Yohimbine HCI, on fatty acid oxidation (FAO), perception of hunger, mood state and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) at rest and during 30 min of submaximal exercise. METHODS: Following institutional ethical approval, twelve healthy recreationally active participants, five females and seven males, were randomized to perform two separate experimental ergometry cycling trials, and to ingest 1.5 g (3 × capsules) of either a multi-ingredient supplement (SHRED) or placebo (PL). Participants rested for 3 h, before performing a 30-min cycling exercise corresponding to their individually-determined intensity based on their maximal fat oxidation (Fatmax). Fatty acid oxidation (FAO) was determined at rest, 3 h before exercise (Pre1), immediately before exercise (Pre2) and during exercise (Post), using expired gasses and indirect calorimetry. Rate of perceived exertion (RPE) was measured every 3 min during the 30-min exercise. Additionally both mood state and perception of hunger were assessed at Pre1, Pre2 and Post exercise. A repeated measures ANOVA design and Cohen's d effect sizes were used to analyze potential differences between times and treatment conditions. RESULTS: FAO increased in SHRED from Pre1 to Pre2 [0.56 ± 0.26 to 0.96 ± 0.37, (p = 0.003, d =1.34)] but not in PL [0.67 ± 0.25 to 0.74 ± 0.19, (p = 0.334) d = 0.49], with no differences were found between conditions (p = 0.12, d = 0.49). However, Cohen's d = 0.77 revealed moderate effect size in favor of SHRED from Pre to Post exercise. RPE values were lower in SHRED compared to Pl (p< 0.001). Mood state and perception of hunger were not different between conditions, with no interaction effects. However, a trend was shown towards improved satiety in SHRED compared with PL, [F(1,11) = 3.58, p = 0.085]. CONCLUSIONS: The multi-ingredien

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of 5 days of creatine (CRE) loading alone or in combination with caffeine anhydrous (CAF) or coffee (COF) on upper-body and lower-body strength and sprint performance. Physically active males (n = 54; mean ± SD; age = 20.1 ± 2.1 years; weight = 78.8 ± 8.8 kg) completed baseline testing, consisting of 1 repetition maximum (1RM) and repetitions to fatigue with 80% 1RM for bench press and leg press, followed by a repeated sprint test of five, 10-second sprints separated by 60-second rest on a cycle ergometer to determine peak power (PP) and total power (TP). At least 72 hours later, subjects were randomly assigned to supplement with CRE (5 g of CRE monohydrate, 4 times per day; n = 14), CRE + CAF (CRE +300 mg·d of CAF; n = 13), CRE + COF (CRE +8.9 g of COF, yielding 303 mg of CAF; n = 13), or placebo (PLA; n = 14) for 5 days. Serum creatinine (CRN) was measured before and after supplementation, and on day 6, participants repeated pretesting procedures. Strength measures were improved in all groups (p ≤ 0.05), with no significant time × treatment interactions. No significant interaction or main effects were observed for PP. For TP, a time × sprint interaction was observed (p ≤ 0.05), with no significant interactions among treatment groups. A time × treatment interaction was observed for serum CRN values (p ≤ 0.05) that showed increases in all groups except PLA. Four subjects reported mild gastrointestinal discomfort with CRE + CAF, with no side effects reported in other groups. These findings suggest that neither CRE alone nor in combination with CAF or COF significantly affected performance compared with PLA.

Background: Several nutritional strategies have been used to enhance performance in CrossFit® training. This randomized, double-blind, crossover study aimed to investigate the acute effects of caffeine consumption on physiological responses and performance during a strength-focused CrossFit workout. Methods: Twelve healthy men, aged 29.2 ± 3.8 years (mean ± SD throughout), with 4.9 ± 1.9 years of CrossFit experience, completed two sessions of a specific CrossFit training program (four rounds of five exercises, 50 s exercise/10 s rest), 60 min after consuming either anhydrous caffeine (7.1 ± 0.7 mg/kg of body mass) or a placebo, aiming to perform as many repetitions as possible. The washout period was at least seven days. At the end of each round, subjective perception of fatigue was recorded using the Borg scale. Blood lactate concentration was measured before and immediately after completing the training session using a portable lactate analyzer. Data were analyzed by factorial ANOVA with repeated measures. Results: Caffeine had a negative effect on the number of sit-up repetitions in the fourth round (p = 0.012), while it did not affect any other performance parameter, rating of perceived exertion, or lactate concentration compared with the placebo. Conclusions: The results of the present study suggest that caffeine consumption does not improve performance in CrossFit training.

BACKGROUND: There is growing interest in the potential of alternative modes of caffeine administration for enhancing sports performance. Given that alternative modes may evoke improved physical performance via distinct mechanisms, effects may not be comparable and studies directly comparing the erogenicity of alternative modes of caffeine administration are lacking. To address this knowledge gap, the present study evaluated the effect of 3 mg·kg-1 caffeine delivered in anhydrous form via capsule ingestion, chewing gum or mouth rinsing on measures of muscular strength, power, and strength endurance in male Rugby Union players. METHODS: Twenty-seven participants completed the study (Mean ± SD: Age 20 ± 2 yrs; daily caffeine consumption 188 ± 88 mg). Following assessments and reassessment of chest press (CP), shoulder press (SP), Deadlift (DL), and Squat (SQ) 1-repetition maximum (1RM) and familiarization to the experimental procedures, participants completed six experimental trials where they were administered 3 mg.kg-1 caffeine (Caff) or placebo (Plac) capsule(CAP), chewing gum(GUM) or mouth rinse(RINSE) in a randomized, double-blind and counterbalanced fashion prior to force platform assessment of countermovement jump, drop jump and isometric mid-thigh pull performance. Strength endurance was measured across two sets of CP, SP, DL, and SQ at 70% 1RM until failure. Pre-exercise perceptions of motivation and arousal were also determined. RESULTS: Caffeine increased perceived readiness to invest mental effort (p = .038; ηp2=.156), countermovement jump height (p = .035; ηp2=.160) and SQ repetitions until failure in the first set (p < .001; d = .481), but there was no effect of delivery mode (p > .687; ηp2<.015). Readiness to invest physical effort, felt arousal, drop jump height, countermovement jump, drop jump and isometric mid-thigh pull ground reaction force-time characteristics and repetitions until failure in CP, SP and DL were not affected by caffeine administration or mode of caffeine delivery (p > .0.052; ηp2< .136). CONCLUSION: 3 mg.kg-1 caffeine administered via capsule, gum or mouth rinse had limited effects on muscular strength, power, and strength endur

Caffeine's metabolism is determined by CYP1A2 genotypes: AC/CC (SLOW) and AA (FAST). This trial evaluated CYP1A2 genotypes' impact on exercise and cognitive effects in 36 resistance-trained females assessed under placebo (PL) and caffeine (6 mg/kg bw anhydrous caffeine-CAF) conditions, before ingestion and throughout the session. 23andMe® (San Francisco, CA, USA) determined genotypes using saliva. Data were analyzed using two-way RMANOVA and paired-samples t-tests (p < 0.05). A significant main effect for genotype existed for leg press repetitions to failure (RTF) for CAF (p = 0.038), with the FAST group performing more repetitions than the SLOW (p = 0.027). There was a significant condition x genotype interaction for the subjective outcome index score (p = 0.045), with significant differences for time (p < 0.01) and between genotype (p < 0.001). Follow-up analysis revealed a higher total score (p = 0.028) following CAF for the FAST group and a lower total score (p < 0.01) in the SLOW group. Dizziness was reported following CAF in the SLOW group (p = 0.014; Cohen's d = 0.725). Aside from leg press RTF, subjective outcome index score, and dizziness, the genotype groups experienced similar responses to resistance exercise performance and subjective mood states following caffeine ingestion.

Retraction in Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2024 Sep 1;34(5):335. doi: 10.1123/ijsnem.2024-0140. Caffeine is an ergogenic substance that is consumed globally in many forms. The use of buccally absorbable formulations instead of gastrointestinal uptake has become increasingly popular over the years, especially when accelerated absorption with minimal gastrointestinal stress is desired. This study investigated the impact of five different formulations and administration routes of caffeine on the whole blood concentrations of caffeine, paraxanthine, and theobromine: caffeinated capsules, tablets, shots, pouches, and chewing gums. A uniform dose of caffeine (200 mg) was administered to 16 healthy recreational athletes (26.0 ± 2.1 years) using a randomized crossover design. Samples were taken in the form of dried blood spots at 16 different time points in a 2-hr timeframe after drug administration. The samples were analyzed using a validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method. The results for caffeine showed no significant differences in the overall bioavailability (area under the concentration-time curve), maximal concentration, and time to maximum concentration. However, when analyzing the bioavailability of caffeine in the first 5, 10, and 15 min, the liquid caffeine formulation was superior to other administered forms (p < .05). This indicates that caffeine solubility has a major influence on its absorption rate. In sports, the rate of caffeine absorption must be considered, not only when ingesting anhydrous caffeine, but also when choosing buccal absorption. These findings imply that general guidelines for ergogenic caffeine use should consider the formulation used and, accordingly, the corresponding route of absorption.

Caffeine is widely consumed among elite athletes for its well-known ergogenic properties, and its ability to increase exercise performance. However, studies to date have predominantly focused on the anhydrous form of caffeine in male participants. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of caffeinated coffee ingestion on lower-upper body muscular endurance, cognitive performance, and heart rate variability (HRV) in female athletes. A total of 17 participants (mean ± standard deviation (SD): age = 23 ± 2 years, body mass = 64 ± 4 kg, height = 168 ± 3 cm) in a randomized cross-over design completed three testing sessions, following the ingestion of 3 mg/kg/bm of caffeine (3COF), 6 mg/kg/bm of caffeine (6COF) provided from coffee or decaffeinated coffee (PLA) in 600 mL of hot water. The testing results included: (1) repetition number for muscular endurance performance; (2): reaction time and response accuracy for cognitive performance; (3): HRV parameters, such as standard deviation of normal-to-normal (NN) intervals (SDNN), standard deviation of successive differences (SDSD), root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD), total power (TP), the ratio of low- and high-frequency powers (LF/HF), high-frequency power (HF), normalized HF (HFnu), low-frequency power (LF), and normalized LF (LFnu). A one-way repeated measures ANOVA revealed that 3COF (p = 0.024) and 6COF (p = 0.036) improved lower body muscular endurance in the first set as well as cognitive performance (p = 0.025, p = 0.035 in the post-test, respectively) compared to PLA. However, no differences were detected between trials for upper body muscular endurance (p = 0.07). Lastly, all HRV parameters did not change between trials (p > 0.05). In conclusion, ingesting caffeinated coffee improved lower body muscular endurance and cognitive performance, while not adversely affecting cardiac autonomic function.

Caffeine is a well-established ergogenic aid, although research to date has predominantly focused on anhydrous caffeine, and in men. The primary aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of coffee ingestion on 5 km cycling time trial performance, and to establish whether sex differences exist. A total of 38 participants (19 men and 19 women) completed a 5 km time trial following the ingestion of 0.09 g·kg-1 coffee providing 3 mg·kg-1 of caffeine (COF), a placebo (PLA), in 300 mL of water, or control (CON). Coffee ingestion significantly increased salivary caffeine levels (p < 0.001; η P 2 = 0.75) and, overall, resulted in improved 5 km time trial performance (p < 0.001; η P 2 = 0.23). Performance following COF (482 ± 51 s) was faster than PLA (491 ± 53 s; p = 0.002; d = 0.17) and CON (487 ± 52 s; p =0.002; d = 0.10) trials, with men and women both improving by approximately 9 seconds and 6 seconds following coffee ingestion compared with placebo and control, respectively. However, no differences were observed between CON and PLA (p = 0.321; d = 0.08). In conclusion, ingesting coffee providing 3 mg·kg-1 of caffeine increased salivary caffeine levels and improved 5 km cycling time trial performance in men and women by a similar magnitude.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine whether 1) consumption of caffeine improves endurance cycling performance in women and 2) sex differences exist in the magnitude of the ergogenic and plasma responses to caffeine supplementation. METHODS: Twenty-seven (11 women and 16 men) endurance-trained cyclists and triathletes participated in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. Participants completed an incremental exercise test to exhaustion, two familiarization trials, and two performance trials. Ninety minutes before the performance trials, participants ingested opaque capsules containing either 3 mg·kg body mass of anhydrous caffeine or a placebo. They then completed a set amount of work (75% of peak sustainable power output) in the fastest possible time. Plasma was sampled at baseline, preexercise, and postexercise for caffeine. Strict standardization and verification of diet, hydration, training volume and intensity, and contraceptive hormone phase (for women) were implemented. RESULTS: Performance time was significantly improved after caffeine administration in women (placebo: 3863 ± 419 s, caffeine: 3757 ± 312 s; P = 0.03) and men (placebo: 3903 ± 341 s, caffeine: 3734 ± 287 s; P < 0.001). The magnitude of performance improvement was similar for women (mean = 4.3%, 95% CI = 0.4%-8.2%) and men (4.6%, 2.3%-6.8%). Plasma caffeine concentrations were similar between sexes before exercise, but significantly greater in women after exercise (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Ingestion of 3 mg·kg body mass of caffeine enhanced endurance exercise performance in women. The magnitude of the performance enhancement observed in women was similar to that of men, despite significantly greater plasma caffeine concentrations after exercise in women. These results suggest that the current recommendations for caffeine intake (i.e., 3-6 mg·kg caffeine before exercise to enhance endurance performance), which are derived almost exclusively from studies on men, may also be applicable to women.

The goal of this randomized, double-blind, cross-over study was to assess the acute effects of caffeine ingestion on muscular strength and power, muscular endurance, rate of perceived exertion (RPE), and pain perception (PP) in resistance-trained men. Seventeen volunteers (mean ± SD: age = 26 ± 6 years, stature = 182 ± 9 cm, body mass = 84 ± 9 kg, resistance training experience = 7 ± 3 years) consumed placebo or 6 mg kg-1 of anhydrous caffeine 1 h before testing. Muscular power was assessed with seated medicine ball throw and vertical jump exercises, muscular strength with one-repetition maximum (1RM) barbell back squat and bench press exercises, and muscular endurance with repetitions of back squat and bench press exercises (load corresponding to 60% of 1RM) to momentary muscular failure. RPE and PP were assessed immediately after the completion of the back squat and bench press exercises. Compared to placebo, caffeine intake enhanced 1RM back squat performance (+2.8%; effect size [ES] = 0.19; p = .016), which was accompanied by a reduced RPE (+7%; ES = 0.53; p = .037), and seated medicine ball throw performance (+4.3%, ES = 0.32; p = .009). Improvements in 1RM bench press were not noted although there were significant (p = .029) decreases in PP related to this exercise when participants ingested caffeine. The results point to an acute benefit of caffeine intake in enhancing lower-body strength, likely due to a decrease in RPE; upper-, but not lower-body power; and no effects on muscular endurance, in resistance-trained men. Individuals competing in events in which strength and power are important performance-related factors may consider taking 6 mg kg-1 of caffeine pre-training/competition for performance enhancement.

PURPOSE: To examine the effects of a moderate dose of caffeine in elite male volleyball players on countermovement-jump (CMJ) performance, as well as temporal concentric- and eccentric-phase effects. METHODS: Ten elite male volleyball players took part in 2 experimental days via a randomized crossover trial 1 wk apart in which they ingested either 5 mg/kg of caffeine or a placebo in double-blind fashion. Heart rate and blood pressure were measured at rest and 60 min postingestion. Afterward, subjects also performed 3 CMJ trials 60 min postingestion, of which the average was used for further analysis. They filled out a questionnaire on possible side effects 24 h posttrial. RESULTS: Caffeine intake, compared with placebo, increased CMJ peak concentric force (6.5% ± 6.4%; P = .01), peak power (16.2% ± 8.3%; P < .01), flight time (5.3% ± 3.4%; P < .01), velocity at peak power (10.6% ± 8.0%; P < .01), peak displacement (10.8% ± 6.5%; P < .01), peak velocity (12.6% ± 7.4%; P < .01), peak acceleration (13.5% ± 8.5%; P < .01), and the force developed at peak power (6.0% ± 4.0%; P < .01) and reduced the time between peak power and peak force (16.7% ± 21.6%, P = .04). Caffeine increased diastolic blood pressure by 13.0% ± 8.9% (P < .05), whereas no adverse side effects were found. CONCLUSIONS: The ingestion of 5 mg/kg of anhydrous caffeine improves overall CMJ performance without inducing side effects.