Effect of caffeine as a dietary supplement on dynamic strength and power characteristics in freestyle wrestlers: a cross-sectional, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Wrestling is a highly competitive sport and therefore the development of ergogenic strategies to enhance athlete performance is necessary. Caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine) is a recognised ergogenic agent not prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Code. It is relevant to study the effect of caffeine on performance parameters in combat sports and in wrestling. Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness of caffeine supplement on the characteristics of strength and power in freestyle wrestlers. Materials and Methods. The pilot study followed a cross-over, double-blind, placebo-controlled design. Five members of the Moscow freestyle wrestling team participated in the study. Participants took placebo and caffeine at a dosage of 3 mg/kg body weight 60 minutes before testing (handgrip strength test, countermovement jump, barbell bench press). Results. Caffeine supplementation compared with placebo showed no statistically significant improvements in handgrip strength test (for both dominant and non-dominant hands), countermovement jump, and bench press. According to the survey results, none of the participants reported side effects due to caffeine supplementation. Conclusions. A placebo-controlled study involving freestyle wrestlers showed that taking a caffeine supplement at a dosage of 3 mg/kg body weight does not lead to an improvement in strength and power indices.