Benefits of caffeine ingestion on sprint performance in trained and untrained swimmers

Abstract

The influence of specific training on benefits from caffeine (Caf) ingestion was examined during a sprint test in a group of highly trained swimmers (T) and compared with the response of a group of untrained occasional swimmers (UT). Seven T and seven UT subjects swam freestyle two randomly assigned 2 x 100 m distances, at maximal speed and separated by 20 min of passive recovery, once after Caf (250 mg) and once after placebo (Pla) ingestion. Anaerobic capacity was assessed by the mean velocity (meters per second) during each 100 m and blood was sampled from the fingertip just before and 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 min after each 100 m for resting and maximal blood lactate concentration ([la-]b,max) determination. The [la-]bmax was significantly enhanced by Caf in both T and UT subjects (P less than 0.01). However, only T subjects exhibited significant improvement in their swimming velocity (P less than 0.01) after Caf or any significant impairment during the second 100 m. In light of these results, it appears that specific training is necessary to benefit from the metabolic adaptations induced by Caf during supramaximal exercise requiring a high anaerobic capacity.

Acute Effects of Caffeine on Strength Performance in Trained and Untrained Individuals

“…Significant enhancements in cycling [12][13][14], swimming [15] and rowing [16] have been reported following caffeine ingestion. A plethora of research also highlights the use of caffeine to improve muscular endurance; with regards to greater repetitions to failure [17], lower ratings of perceived exertion [18] and reduced fatigue [17].…”

Effects of Caffeine on Performance, Cardiorespiratory Function and Plasma Hormonal Responses during Exhaustive Treadmill Exercise in the Thoroughbred Horse.

“…In the present study, blood LA responses to exercise in Thoroughbreds as well as in humans were significantly increased by caffeine, regardless of the mode and intensity of the exercise. Collomp et al [5] speculated that the caffeineinduced increase in Ad caused an increase in the anaerobic metabolism resulting in a greater LA production and power output during intense exercise. Accordingly, our data of LA suggest that caffeine may increase the anaerobic metabolism in Thoroughbreds and improve their exercise performance during intense exercise.…”

Carbohydrate and Caffeine Improves High-Intensity Running of Elite Rugby League Interchange Players During Simulated Match Play

“…Similarly, the use of sub-elite rugby players prevent generalizing the findings and contribute little to our understanding of how caffeine enhances performance in more highly trained team sport athletes (5). This is particularly important given that the benefits of caffeine supplementation on high intensity exercise performance are shown to be more effective in highly trained athletes (7). Finally, the use of caffeine doses above the suggested benchmark of 3 mg·kg -1 (13) means our understanding of how lower doses affect rugby performance remain unknown.…”