Does caffeine ingestion before a short-term sprint interval training promote body fat loss?

G.A Ferreira,D.J Bishop,L.C Felippe,A.E Lima-Silva,I.S Ramos,R Bertuzzi,F.R De-Oliveira

doi:10.1590/1414-431x20199169

Abstract

We investigated the effect of caffeine ingestion combined with a 2-wk sprint interval training (SIT) on training-induced reductions in body adiposity. Twenty physically-active men ingested either 5 mg/kg of cellulose as a placebo (PLA, n=10) or 5 mg/kg of caffeine (CAF, n=10) 60 min before each SIT session (13×30 s sprint/15 s of rest). Body mass and skinfold thickness were measured pre- and post-training. Energy expenditure was measured at rest, during exercise, and 45 min after exercise in the first SIT session. Body fat was similar between PLA and CAF groups at pre-training (P>0.05). However, there was a significant decrease in body fat after training in the CAF group (−5.9±4.2%, P<0.05) but not in PLA (1.5±8.0%, P>0.05). There was no difference in energy expenditure at rest and during exercise between PLA and CAF groups (P>0.05), but the post-exercise energy expenditure was 18.3±21.4% greater in the CAF than in the PLA group (P<0.05). In conclusion, caffeine ingestion before SIT sessions induced a body fat loss that may be associated with higher post-exercise energy expenditure.

Highlights

Sprint interval training (SIT) is defined as a model of exercise involving 5- to 30-s suprama. ximal efforts (4100% of maximal oxygen consumption; VO2max), interspaced by incomplete recovery periods [1]
The main finding of the present study was that a 2-week SIT program induced a significant body fat loss when combined with caffeine, but not when combined with a placebo
These findings suggested that caffeine ingestion prior to exercise is useful to promote alterations in body composition within a short-term SIT program

Summary

Introduction

Sprint interval training (SIT) is defined as a model of exercise involving 5- to 30-s suprama. ximal efforts (4100% of maximal oxygen consumption; VO2max), interspaced by incomplete recovery periods [1]. Ximal efforts (4100% of maximal oxygen consumption; VO2max), interspaced by incomplete recovery periods [1]. This type of training has been suggested as a time-efficient strategy to promote health bene. Part of the SIT-induced reduction in body fat is attributed to an increased post-exercise energy expenditure [4], which can contribute to a negative energy balance [7]. In this sense, any additional agent able to stimulate post-exercise energy expenditure would be an attractive approach to speed up SIT-induced body fat loss

Objectives

Methods

Conclusion