Journal article
Caffeine Improves Triathlon Performance: A Field Study in Males and Females
International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, Vol.28(3), pp.228-237
2018
Abstract
The ergogenic effect of caffeine on endurance exercise is commonly accepted. We aimed to elucidate realistically the effect of caffeine on triathlon event performance using a field study design, while allowing investigation into potential mechanisms at play. A double-blind, randomized, crossover, field trial was conducted. Twenty-six triathletes (14 males, 12 females) participated (age: 37.8±10.6 years, habitual caffeine intake: 413±505 mg/day, percentage body fat: 14.5±7.2%, training/week: 12.8±4.5 hours). Microencapsulated caffeine (6 mg/kg body weight) was supplemented 60 minutes pre-trial. Performance data included time to completion (TTC), rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and profile of mood states (POMS). Blood samples taken before, during and post-race were analyzed for cortisol, testosterone and full blood count. Capillary blood lactate concentrations were assessed pre-race, during transitions and 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 minutes after triathlons. Caffeine supplementation resulted in a 3.7% reduction in swim time (33.5±7.0 vs. 34.8±8.1 minutes, p<0.05) and a 1.3% reduction in TTC (149.6±19.8 vs. 151.5±18.6 minutes, p<0.05) for the whole group. Gender differences and individual responses are also presented. Caffeine did not alter RPE significantly, but better performance after caffeine supplementation suggests a central effect resulting in greater overall exercise intensity at the same RPE. Caffeine supplementation was associated with higher post-exercise cortisol levels (665±200 vs. 543±169 nmol/l, p<0.0001) and facilitated greater peak blood lactate accumulation (ANOVA main effect, p<0.05). We recommend that triathlon athletes with relatively low habitual caffeine intake may ingest 6 mg/kg body weight caffeine, 45-60 minutes before the start of Olympic-distance triathlon in order to improve performance.
Details
- Title
- Caffeine Improves Triathlon Performance: A Field Study in Males and Females
- Authors
- Sunita Potgieter (Author) - Stellenbosch University, South AfricaHattie H Wright (Author) - North-West University, South AfricaCarine Smith (Author) - Stellenbosch University, South Africa
- Publication details
- International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, Vol.28(3), pp.228-237
- Publisher
- Human Kinetics
- Date published
- 2018
- DOI
- 10.1123/ijsnem.2017-0165
- ISSN
- 1526-484X
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health - Nutrition & Dietetics; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99450421102621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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- Domestic collaboration
- Web Of Science research areas
- Nutrition & Dietetics
- Sport Sciences
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Source: InCites