Effects of Caffeine Supplementation on Neuromuscular Performance in Powerlifting Athletes: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Quadruple-Blinded, Cross-Over Study

Enes, A, Hubner, P, Oneda, G, Bernardo, MF, Macedo, ACG, Salles, GN, Ferreira, LHB, Rezende, EF, Mohan, AE, Piñero, A, Leonel, DF, Cruz, R, Schoenfeld, BJ, and Souza-Junior, TP. Effects of caffeine supplementation on neuromuscular performance in powerlifting athletes: a randomized, placebo-controlled, quadruple-blinded, cross-over study. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2025-This study investigated the effects of caffeine supplementation (CAF) on neuromuscular performance and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) in powerlifting athletes. In a cross-over design, 16 male athletes (1 repetition maximum [1RM] barbell back squat: 181.0 ± 44.7 kg; 1RM deadlift: 215.0 ± 38.8 kg) were randomly assigned to CAF or placebo (PLA), 1 week apart. Athletes consumed either 8 mg·kg-1 body mass of CAF or PLA and after 60 minutes performed 3 repetitions of back squat and deadlift exercises at 40, 60, 80, and 90% of their 1RM. Mean velocity, mean power, and velocity loss were continuously measured within the sets. Rating of perceived exertion was assessed after each set of both exercises. CAF supplementation resulted in significantly higher mean velocity at 40, 60, 80, and 90% of 1RM for both exercises compared with PLA (p < 0.05). Mean power was significantly greater with CAF intake during the back squat at 60% (p = 0.046), 80% (p < 0.001), and 90% (p < 0.001) of 1RM. Velocity loss was reduced with CAF at 80 and 90% of 1RM in both exercises (p < 0.05). For RPE, there was a main effect of condition where CAF intake led to lower scores for back squat (p = 0.003) and deadlift (p = 0.042). Our findings suggest that caffeine supplementation could serve as an ergogenic aid in powerlifting athletes' training routines by enhancing neuromuscular performance and reducing RPE, particularly during high-load exercises (80 and 90% of 1RM).