Abstract
We aimed to explore the effects of caffeinated gel ingestion on neuromuscular performance in resistance-trained men. The participants (n = 17; mean ± standard deviation (SD): age 23 ± 2 years, height 183 ± 5 cm, body mass 83 ± 11 kg) completed two testing conditions that involved ingesting a caffeinated gel (300 mg of caffeine) or placebo. The testing outcomes included: (1) vertical jump height in the squat jump (SJ) and countermovement jump (CMJ); (2) knee extension and flexion peak torque and average power at angular velocities of 60°·s−1 and 180°·s−1; (3) barbell velocity in the bench press with loads corresponding to 50%, 75%, and 90% of one-repetition maximum (1RM); and (4) peak power output in a test on a rowing ergometer. Compared to the placebo, caffeine improved: (1) SJ (p = 0.039; Cohen’s d effect size (d) = 0.18; +2.9%) and CMJ height (p = 0.011; d = 0.18; +3.3%); (2) peak torque and average power in the knee extensors at both angular velocities (d ranged from 0.21 to 0.37; percent change from +3.5% to +6.9%), peak torque (p = 0.034; d = 0.24; +4.6%), and average power (p = 0.015; d = 0.32; +6.7%) at 60°·s−1 in the knee flexors; (3) barbell velocity at 50% 1RM (p = 0.021; d = 0.33; +3.5%), 75% 1RM (p < 0.001; d = 0.42; +5.4%), and 90% 1RM (p < 0.001; d = 0.59, +12.0%). We conclude that the ingestion of caffeinated gels may acutely improve vertical jump performance, strength, and power in resistance-trained men.
Highlights
In the general population, caffeine is a widely consumed food constituent [1]
In most of the studies that examine the effects of caffeine ingestion on exercise performance, the participants ingest caffeine administered in the form of a capsule and wait 60 min before starting the exercise session [3,4]
Caffeine ingestion had a significant effect on peak torque at the angular velocity of 60◦ ·s−1, both in the knee extensor (p = 0.002; d = 0.37; +6.9%) and in the knee flexor muscles (p = 0.034; d = 0.24; +4.6%)
Summary
Caffeine is a widely consumed food constituent [1]. Caffeine consumption is widespread among athletes, likely due to its performance-enhancing effects on exercise [2]. Some of the alternate sources of caffeine include chewing gums, bars, gels, mouth rinses, energy drinks, aerosols, and coffee [3,6,7]. These sources attracted the attention of researchers, given that they may provide rapid absorption of caffeine in the body. Following the consumption of a caffeine-containing gum, increases in caffeine levels in plasma occur within 5 min [8] This rapid absorption may lead to a faster ergogenic effect, which subsequently may be useful in many situations in sport and in exercise settings
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