Abstract
Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the acute supplementation effects of capsaicin, caffeine, and the combined capsaicin plus caffeine on total volume (total repetitions x weight lifted), rate of perceived exertion (RPE), and side-effects on resistance training. Methods: Eleven men (21.5 ± 2.1 years, 1.75 ± 0.08 m, 79.64 ± 10.1 kg), trained in resistance training (experience of 4.5 ± 2.6 years, weekly frequency 5 ± 0.8 days) were recruited. This was a crossover, randomized, double-blind study. Each volunteer went through four experimental conditions: supplemented with capsaicin (12 mg), caffeine (400 mg), capsaicin plus caffeine (12 mg and 400 mg, respectively), or placebo. After supplementation, the volunteers completed four sets of back squats until failure, at 70% of one-repetition maximum, with 90 s of rest interval between sets. RPE was registered at the end of each set. Volunteers were asked about the occurrence of side effects, right after exercise and 24 h after supplementation. Results: No significant differences were found (p > 0.05) in total volume between placebo (5505.2 ± 810.7 kg), capsaicin (6010.0 ± 1067.0 kg), capsaicin plus caffeine (5885.1 ± 1219.3 kg), and Caffeine (5628.6 ± 894.4 kg). No significant differences were found in RPE (p > 0.05) between the experimental conditions. The effect size of the total volume was small in capsaicin and capsaicin plus caffeine (d = 0.62 e d = 0.47, respectively), and trivial in the caffeine condition (d = 0.15). Conclusion: The supplementation failed to influence resistance training performance as well as had no effects on increasing the total volume or reducing RPE.
Highlights
Caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine) is a substance presents in teas, coffees, energy drinks, and dietary supplements, used by most elite athletes[1,2]
The result of this study demonstrated that capsaicin supplementation resulted in lower rate of perceived exertion (RPE) in high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and improved performance in subsequent resistance training
The present study aimed to investigate the effect of acute supplementation of capsaicin, caffeine, and the combination of capsaicin with caffeine in the total volume and RPE in the resistance training, in healthy trained men, in addition to possible side effects
Summary
Caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine) is a substance presents in teas, coffees, energy drinks, and dietary supplements, used by most elite athletes[1,2] This substance can be an ergogenic aid, improving sports performance[2,3], cognition[4], aerobic resistance5,6and muscular strength[7,8]. Caffeine is an antagonist of the adenosine nucleoside, blocking adenosine receptors, increasing alertness, and reducing fatigue[4] Another possible mechanism responsible for improving performance is the interaction between caffeine and ryanodine receptors, present in the sarcoplasmic reticulum, which can increase the release of calcium ions in the sarcoplasm[9]. New nutritional resources must be investigated, with potential ergogenic effects like those of caffeine, such as, for example, capsaicin[12,13]
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