THE EFFECT OF CAFFEINE INGESTION ON ANAEROBIC PERFORMANCE IN MODERATELY TRAINED ADULTS

Abstract Although studies have reported a positive effect of caffeine on aerobic performance, results relating to its effect on anaerobic performance are equivocal. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of caffeine ingestion on anaerobic performance in a group of moderately trained adults. Following ethical approval, 8 males and 6 females (Mean age = 21.8, s = 3.5 years) performed the Wingate anaerobic test on 3 occasions in randomised order, once where no substance was ingested (Control), once where a 5mg kg-1 of caffeine was consumed and once where a placebo was consumed. Results indicated that peak power output and mean power output were significantly greater in both the caffeine and placebo conditions compared to control (Both P = 0.001). Peak blood lactate values were significantly higher in the caffeine condition compared to the control condition (P = 0.04) but not between caffeine and placebo conditions (P<0.05). Rating of Perceived Exertion was higher in the placebo condition compared to the caffeine condition (P = 0.04) and there was no difference in peak heart rate across trials (P<0.05). These results suggest that caffeine ingestion does not enhance anaerobic performance over consumption of a placebo substance. Key words: Peak power, blood lactate, Wingate test, placebo effect