Caffeine Does Not Alter Performance, Perceptual Responses, and Oxidative Stress After Short Sprint Interval Training.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to determine the acute effects of caffeine supplementation on exercise performance, perceived exertion, and oxidative stress biomarkers during sprint interval training.
Results Summary
Caffeine supplementation (6 mg/kg) had no significant effect on performance measures, perceived exertion, or oxidative stress biomarkers during sprint interval training.
Population
12 healthy males (age: 26 ± 4 years, height: 177.5 ± 6 cm, body mass: 80.7 ± 7.6 kg).
Effective Dosage
6 mg/kg, single dose 60 minutes before exercise.
Duration
Acute (single session).
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
caffeine supplementation | no change | performance measures | 12 healthy males | no significant change | had no effect on | #1 |
caffeine supplementation | no change | ratings of perceived exertion | 12 healthy males | no significant change | had no effect on | #2 |
caffeine supplementation | no change | biomarkers of oxidative stress | 12 healthy males | no significant change | had no effect on | #3 |
caffeine supplementation | no change | performance | - | - | does not improve | #4 |
caffeine supplementation | no change | oxidative stress | - | - | does not decrease | #5 |
Despite the abundance of research investigating the efficacy of caffeine supplementation on exercise performance, the physiological and biochemical responses to caffeine supplementation during intermittent activities are less evident. This study investigated the acute effects of caffeine supplementation on measures of exercise performance, ratings of perceived exertion, and biomarkers of oxidative stress induced by an acute bout of sprint interval training. In a randomized crossover design, 12 healthy males (age: 26 ± 4 years, height: 177.5 ± 6 cm, body mass: 80.7 ± 7.6 kg) ingested 6 mg/kg of caffeine or placebo 60 min prior to performing sprint interval training (12 × 6 s "all-out sprints" interspersed by 60 s of rest). Performance scores and ratings of perceived exertion were assessed after every sprint. Blood samples were collected before supplementation, prior to and following each sprint, and 5 and 60 min after the last sprint. Caffeine had no effect on any performance measures, ratings of perceived exertion, or biomarkers of oxidative stress (p > .05). In conclusion, caffeine supplementation does not improve performance or decrease oxidative stress after an acute bout of sprint interval training.