Effects of acute caffeine ingestion on anaerobic cycling performance in recreationally active men

Abstract

Caffeine increases aerobic performance, but research findings are mixed regarding anaerobic performance (AnP). Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of acute caffeine ingestion on high-intensity cycling anaerobic exercise in 14 healthy and physically active non-habitual caffeine users (mean age: 20.93 ± 1.73 yrs). After the subjects were familarized with the Wingate Anaerobic test (WAnT) intensity (on a separate date), placebo or caffeine treatments were performed. Both treatments were separated by 1 wk in a randomized, double-blind manner. One hr before the WAnT, the subjects ingested a drink mixture of water, lemonade, and Sprite as a placebo (PLA) or containing caffeine (CAF, 5 mg·kg-1); both drinks were equal in calories. The WAnT was performed for 30 sec with the resistance set at 7.5% of the subject's body mass. Peak power, mean power, and fatigue index were determined. A paired sample t-test was used to compare the AnP variables between treatments. Heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), blood lactate (LA), and glucose (GLU) levels were analyzed with a two-way repeated-measures ANOVA. The results showed no significant effect of caffeine on AnP (P > 0.05). Increases in HR, BP, and blood LA levels were independent of treatments (P > 0.05). However, blood GLU levels significantly differed between the treatments (P > 0.05). The findings indicate that a single dose of CAF was insufficient to elicit an ergogenic effect on AnP in unaccustomed and non-habitual caffeine users.