Effects of caffeine chewing gum on race performance and physiology in male and female cyclists

Abstract

This investigation reports the effects of chewing caffeinated gum on race performance with trained cyclists. Twenty competitive cyclists completed two 30-km time trials that included a maximal effort 0.2-km sprint each 10-km. Caffeine (~3-4 mg · kg(-1)) or placebo was administered double-blind via chewing gum at the 10-km point following completion of the first sprint. Measures of power output, oxygen uptake, heart rate, lactate and perceived exertion were taken at set intervals during the time trial. Results indicated no substantial differences in any measured variables between caffeine and placebo conditions during the first 20-km of the time trial. Caffeine gum did however lead to substantial enhancements (mean ± 90% confidence limits (CLs)) in mean power during the final 10-km (3.8% ± 2.3%), and sprint power at 30-km (4.0% ± 3.6%). The increases in performance over the final 10-km were associated with small increases in heart rate and blood lactate (effect size of 0.24 and 0.28, respectively). There were large inter-individual variations in the response to caffeine, and apparent gender related differences in sprint performance. Chewing caffeine gum improves mean and sprint performance power in the final 10-km of a 30-km time trial in male and female cyclists most likely through an increase in nervous system activation.

Evidence-Based Supplements for the Enhancement of Athletic Performance

“…In fact, 100-200 mg (1.5-2.9 mg/kg BM) of caffeine consumed in combination with a carbohydrate electrolyte solution after 80 min of a preload cycling task was shown to result in a ∼4-7% improvement during a subsequent TT completed in ∼26-28 min (Talanian & Spriet, 2016). Furthermore, 200-300 mg of caffeine administered in chewing gum form at the 10-km point of a 30-km cycling TT was shown to improve mean power output (+3.8%) during the final 10 km of the task, in addition to a 4% increase in peak sprint power output at the end of the task (Paton et al, 2015). In summary, caffeine supplementation provided both before and/or during endurance-based TT activities is likely to achieve positive performance outcomes.…”

Sports Foods and Dietary Supplements for Optimal Function and Performance Enhancement in Track-and-Field Athletes

“…The caffeine supplementation literature shows strong evidence of improved performance when it is consumed before events varying in duration from 5 to 150 min (Ganio et al, 2009). Furthermore, low-moderate doses of caffeine (100-300 mg) consumed during endurance exercise (after 15-80 min of activity) have also been shown to enhance endurance performance by a range of 3-7% (Paton et al, 2015;Talanian & Spriet, 2016). When considering short-term, supramaximal tasks, the ingestion of 3-6 mg/kg BM of caffeine taken 50-60 min preexercise relates to performance gains of >3% for anaerobic activities of 1-2 min in duration (Wiles et al, 2006).…”

Practical Issues in Evidence-Based Use of Performance Supplements: Supplement Interactions, Repeated Use and Individual Responses

“…In most cases, the literature on sports-specific uses of performance supplements has been largely undertaken with male subjects and research that directly compares male and female responses to interventions is sparse. Although some studies have reported apparent differences in male and female athletes to caffeine supplements [65, 66], issues such as a greater risk of gastrointestinal disturbances during exercise in females and difficulties in matching the athletic caliber and reliability of performance between groups of male and female athletes must also be taken into account in interpreting the results. Despite gaps in the evidence base regarding sex differences with respect to supplement use, we generally believe that female athletes respond similarly to their male counterparts when circumstances are matched.…”