The Effect of Caffeine Supplementation on Performance in the Standing Shot Put Throw

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Caffeine has been shown to have ergogenic effects on both aerobic and anaerobic activities. These ergogenic effects have been demonstrated in activities that range from distance running to sprint cycling. However, the possible ergogenic effects of caffeine on the shot put event have not been investigated. PURPOSE: The purpose of the present investigation was to determine if caffeine has ergogenic effects on performance in the shot put event. METHODS: A double-blinded, counterbalanced, within subjects design was used to investigate the ergogenic effects of caffeine on the shot put. Four male (age: 20.5±2.1 yrs, height: 1.82 ± 0.07m, weight: 115.68 ± 13.03kg) and five female (age: 19.6 ± 1.9yrs, height: 1.73 ± 0.07m, weight: 98.72 ± 28.47kg) college shot putters participated in the study. Prior to participating, participants were asked about caffeine usage. The participants reported an average daily caffeine intake of (73 ± 97mg). Prior to each series of measured throws, participants received either a piece of gum designed to deliver 100mg of caffeine in a buccal manner (CAFF), or a placebo gum (PL). The gum was chewed for 5 min then discarded. The participants then completed a series of 5 warm-up throws, followed by 6 attempts with a shot put (16lbs for males, 4kg for females) that were measured for distance. RESULTS: An ANOVA (treatment x throw) was also performed to compare performance between the CAFF and PL treatments over the six measured attempts. A significant difference (treatment x throw) was found (p<0.05) indicating that the CAFF treatment produced better performance over the course of the six attempts. Paired samples t-tests were performed to compare the first attempt between the CAFF treatment (9.63±1.69 meters) and the PL treatment (9.05±1.71 meters). A significant increase in performance was found in the CAFF treatment (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Caffeine increased the performance of shot putters over the course of six attempts. This finding suggests to coaches and athletes involved in the event, that low dose caffeine (100mg) is an effective ergogenic aid.