Impact Of Caffeine Supplementation On Anaerobic Exercise Performance

Caffeine has been shown to be an effective ergogenic aid in aerobic exercise, but the literature on whether it is effective during anaerobic exercise is unclear. PURPOSE: The purpose of this investigation is to examine the impact of different levels of caffeine on anaerobic exercise performance. METHODS: Twelve participants (7 male, 5 female; age = 25.0 ± 1.3 years; weight = 78.6 ± 3.6 kg; height = 1.72 ± 3.54 m) completed four experimental sessions. During the first session, participants were familiarized with all procedures used in the experimental sessions. During the three experimental sessions, subjects completed the following assessments of anaerobic performance: countermovement jump (CMJ), leg press, and shoulder flexion dynamometry. Prior to each experimental session, subjects consumed a 12-oz coffee beverage with decaffeinated coffee (PLAC), 220 mg (MID), or 450 mg (HIGH) of caffeine. Treatments were blinded to participants and applied in a randomized order. Subjects completed experimental sessions after a 4-hour food and 12-hour caffeine fast. RESULTS: Dynamic strength index during CMJ was greater during the HIGH (3.07 ± 0.32 cm.sec-1) condition compared to PLAC (2.56 ± 0.23 cm.sec-1) and MID (2.90 ± 0.31 cm.sec-1) (p = 0.01). Force generated during the shoulder press was greater during HIGH (87.9 ± 6.8 N) than in PLAC (77.2 ± 5.8 N) and MID (77.6 ± 6.0 N) (p = 0.03). Maximal force generated during the leg press was higher during HIGH (1813 ± 210 N) than in PLAC (1501 ± 144 N) (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that the level of caffeine consumption can impact anaerobic exercise performance.