Effect of Caffeine on Golf Performance and Fatigue during a Competitive Tournament.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to determine the effect of a caffeine-containing supplement on golf-specific performance and fatigue during a 36-hole competitive golf tournament.
Results Summary
Caffeine improved total score, greens in regulation, and drive distance, while also increasing perceived energy and reducing fatigue compared to placebo. No significant differences were found in physiological measures like heart rate, breathing rate, or putting posture.
Population
Twelve male golfers (34.8 ± 13.9 years, USGA handicap 3-10).
Effective Dosage
1.9 ± 0.3 mg/kg, consumed before and after nine holes during each 18-hole round.
Duration
Two consecutive days (36-hole tournament).
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
caffeine-containing supplement (CAF) | increase | Total score | male golfers with a United States Golf Association handicap of 3-10 | 76.9 ± 8.1 vs 79.4 ± 9.1 | were statistically better | #1 |
caffeine-containing supplement (CAF) | increase | greens in regulation | male golfers with a United States Golf Association handicap of 3-10 | 8.6 ± 3.3 vs 6.9 ± 4.6 | were statistically better | #2 |
caffeine-containing supplement (CAF) | increase | drive distance | male golfers with a United States Golf Association handicap of 3-10 | 239.9 ± 33.8 vs 233.2 ± 32.4 | were statistically better | #3 |
caffeine-containing supplement (CAF) | increase | perceived feelings of energy | male golfers with a United States Golf Association handicap of 3-10 | - | reported more energy | #4 |
caffeine-containing supplement (CAF) | decrease | perceived feelings of fatigue | male golfers with a United States Golf Association handicap of 3-10 | - | reported less fatigue | #5 |
caffeine-containing supplement (CAF) | no change | HR | male golfers with a United States Golf Association handicap of 3-10 | - | no substantial differences | #6 |
caffeine-containing supplement (CAF) | no change | breathing rates | male golfers with a United States Golf Association handicap of 3-10 | - | no substantial differences | #7 |
caffeine-containing supplement (CAF) | no change | peak trunk acceleration | male golfers with a United States Golf Association handicap of 3-10 | - | no substantial differences | #8 |
caffeine-containing supplement (CAF) | no change | putting posture | male golfers with a United States Golf Association handicap of 3-10 | - | no substantial differences | #9 |
moderate dose (1.9 ± 0.3 mg · kg(-1)) of caffeine | increase | golf-specific measures of performance | skilled golfers | - | improves | #10 |
moderate dose (1.9 ± 0.3 mg · kg(-1)) of caffeine | decrease | fatigue | skilled golfers | - | reduces | #11 |
PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the effect of a caffeine-containing supplement on golf-specific performance and fatigue during a 36-hole competitive golf tournament. METHODS: Twelve male golfers (34.8 ± 13.9 yr, 175.9 ± 9.3 cm, 81.23 ± 13.14 kg) with a United States Golf Association handicap of 3-10 participated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design in which they played an 18-hole round of golf on two consecutive days (36-hole tournament) and were randomly assigned to consume a caffeine-containing supplement (CAF) or placebo (PLA). CAF/PLA was consumed before and after nine holes during each 18-hole round. Total score, drive distance, fairways and greens in regulation, first putt distance, HR, breathing rate, peak trunk acceleration, and trunk posture while putting were recorded. Self-perceived ratings of energy, fatigue, alertness and concentration were also recorded. RESULTS: Total score (76.9 ± 8.1 vs 79.4 ± 9.1, P = 0.039), greens in regulation (8.6 ± 3.3 vs 6.9 ± 4.6, P = 0.035), and drive distance (239.9 ± 33.8 vs 233.2 ± 32.4, P = 0.047) were statistically better during the CAF condition compared with those during PLA. Statistically significant main effects for condition (P < 0.05) and time (P < 0.001) occurred for perceived feelings of energy and fatigue. Compared with PLA, CAF reported more energy (P = 0.025) and less fatigue (P = 0.05) over the competitive round of golf. There were no substantial differences in HR or breathing rates, peak trunk acceleration, or putting posture between conditions or over the round (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A moderate dose (1.9 ± 0.3 mg · kg(-1)) of caffeine consumed before and during a round of golf improves golf-specific measures of performance and reduces fatigue in skilled golfers.