Comparing Effects of Caffeine and Total Motion Release Technique on Cognitive, Neuromuscular, and Anaerobic Function in Semi-Professional Male Sprinters: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to determine the effects of caffeine on cognitive performance (reaction times), neuromuscular function, and anaerobic capacity in male sprinters.
Results Summary
Caffeine significantly improved cognitive performance (reduced reaction times in the flanker task) but had minimal impact on anaerobic capacity. The effects were most pronounced for congruent reaction times, though no group significantly outperformed others in power metrics.
Population
56 male sprinters, randomized into intervention groups.
Effective Dosage
Not specified in the abstract.
Duration
Not specified in the abstract (pre- and post-intervention comparisons suggest acute or short-term effects).
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
caffeine | decrease | Flanker congruent reaction times | male sprinters | - | significantly decreased | #1 |
caffeine | decrease | Flanker incongruent reaction times | male sprinters | - | significantly decreased | #2 |
Total Motion Release (TMR) | decrease | Flanker congruent reaction times | male sprinters | - | significantly decreased | #3 |
Total Motion Release (TMR) | decrease | Flanker incongruent reaction times | male sprinters | - | significantly decreased | #4 |
caffeine plus TMR | decrease | Flanker congruent reaction times | male sprinters | - | significantly decreased | #5 |
caffeine plus TMR | decrease | Flanker incongruent reaction times | male sprinters | - | significantly decreased | #6 |
caffeine | decrease | congruent reaction times | male sprinters | - | showed the greatest effect | #7 |
caffeine | increase | FMS scores | male sprinters | - | improved | #8 |
Total Motion Release (TMR) | increase | FMS scores | male sprinters | - | improved | #9 |
caffeine plus TMR | increase | FMS scores | male sprinters | - | improved | #10 |
caffeine | increase | peak power | male sprinters | - | increased | #11 |
caffeine | increase | average power | male sprinters | - | increased | #12 |
caffeine | increase | relative peak power | male sprinters | - | increased | #13 |
Total Motion Release (TMR) | increase | peak power | male sprinters | - | increased | #14 |
Total Motion Release (TMR) | increase | average power | male sprinters | - | increased | #15 |
Total Motion Release (TMR) | increase | relative peak power | male sprinters | - | increased | #16 |
caffeine plus TMR | increase | peak power | male sprinters | - | increased | #17 |
caffeine plus TMR | increase | average power | male sprinters | - | increased | #18 |
caffeine plus TMR | increase | relative peak power | male sprinters | - | increased | #19 |
caffeine plus TMR | increase | Heart rate | male sprinters | - | showed a slight increase | #20 |
caffeine | increase | cognitive function | - | - | increases | #21 |
Total Motion Release (TMR) | increase | accuracy | - | - | boosts | #22 |
Total Motion Release (TMR) | increase | power | - | - | boosts | #23 |
Total Motion Release (TMR) | increase | neuromuscular function | - | - | boosts | #24 |
caffeine plus TMR | increase | cognitive performance | - | - | improve | #25 |
caffeine plus TMR | decrease | reaction times | - | - | reduce | #26 |
Total Motion Release (TMR) | increase | anaerobic capacity | - | - | improves | #27 |
caffeine | no change | anaerobic capacity | - | - | has minimal impact | #28 |
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: As sprinting gains popularity, enhancing anaerobic capacity, neuromuscular function, and cognitive performance is crucial. This study evaluated the effects of Total Motion Release (TMR) and caffeine on these functions in male sprinters to optimize performance strategies. METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial, 56 male sprinters were randomly assigned to control, caffeine, TMR, or caffeine plus TMR groups. The Stroop test, Eriksen flanker task, FMS, and Wingate test were used pre- and post-intervention, with effects analyzed via within- and between-group comparisons. RESULTS: Flanker congruent and incongruent reaction times significantly decreased with caffeine, TMR, or the combination of both (p < 0.05), with caffeine showing the greatest effect on congruent reaction times (p < 0.05). All groups except the control improved their FMS scores, but no group was significantly superior. Peak, average, and relative peak power increased in all groups except the caffeine group (p > 0.05), with no group outperforming the others. Heart rate showed a slight increase in the group receiving both caffeine and TMR (p < 0.05). DISCUSSION: Caffeine increases cognitive function, while TMR boosts accuracy, power, and neuromuscular function. Combined, they improve cognitive performance and reduce reaction times. TMR improves anaerobic capacity; caffeine has minimal impact. Caffeine may be better for those without sensitivity, while TMR can support neuromuscular readiness, power, and accuracy. TMR is recommended, especially for high-acceleration sports. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered with the IRCT committee (No: IRCT20230708058720N1, March 13, 2024).