Abstract
Caffeine is considered the mostly widely used drug in the world (Ellison et al, J Am Diet Assoc, 1995). It has been reported that up to 86% of 6-11 year old children consume caffeine (Fray et al, J Am Diet Assoc, 2005). Further, ∼27% of surveyed young athletes report using caffeine to enhance performance (Bramstedt, Subst. Use Misuse, 2007). Yet no study has systematically investigated the effects of caffeine on performance in young children. PURPOSE: Investigate the effects of caffeine on anaerobic performance in young boys. METHODS: Twenty-four 8-10 year old boys voluntarily participated in a double-blind, double-crossover, counter-balanced study design. Children received in random order twice each, either a placebo (drink only-PL) or anhydrous caffeine (5 mg/kg body mass, CAF) mixed in cherry flavored Sprite®. Following a 60-minute absorption period children performed a maximal static handgrip test followed five minutes later by a 30-sec all-out Wingate anaerobic test. RESULTS: Based on the Wingate test neither absolute peak power (345±60 vs 338±56 W) or relative peak power (9.1±1.0 vs 8.9±0.9 W·kg-1) were different between CAF vs PL, respectively. However, mean power (181±36 vs 173±28 W) and total work completed (1084±213 vs 1038±166 W) were significantly (P<0.05) higher in CAF vs PL, respectively. Relative mean work (4.7±7 vs 4.6±7 W·kg-1) and relative total work (28.5±4.3 vs 27.5±3.9 Wkg-1) were not different in CAF vs PL, respectively. Peak heart rate (190±10 vs 185±10 beats·min-1) was significantly higher (P<0.05) in CAF vs PL, respectively. Maximal grip strength (22.6±3.1 vs 21.9±2.8 kg) was not different between CAF vs PL, respectively. CONCLUSION: In young boys 5 mg·kg-1 CAF significantly increased both the mean and total work completed during a 30-sec Wingate test but did not effect peak power output. The significant increase in peak heart rate following the Wingate test is likely related to the greater amount of work performed during the 30-sec test while on CAF.
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