The acute caffeine ingestion improved performance during traditional and cluster‐based resistance training models in resistance‐trained male athletes

Abstract

Caffeine (Caf) is a well‐established ergogenic aid among various training models, including strength and/or power. However, there is limited information on the ergogenic effects of Caf ingestion during many strength and power training models. Purpose: This study investigated the acute effects of Caf ingestion in bench press power and velocity when training sessions were planned using cluster (CL) and traditional (TR) strength training programs. Methods: Twelve trained men (22 ± 1.6 y, 80.4 ± 10.7 kg, 175.6 ± 4.6 cm) ingested 6 mg/kg of Caf one hour before exercise. Then they performed 4 sets of 6 reps on the bench press with 80% of 1 RM at six experimental trials (Cluster: 4 sets of 2 reps with 140‐sec rest between sets, TR: 4 sets of 6 reps with 180‐sec rest between sets) in a randomized, double‐blind placebo (PL)‐controlled, crossover design [CL+Caf, CL+PL, CL+control (CON), TR+Caf, TR+PL, and TR+CON]. The peak and mean power, velocity, and time under tension were evaluated at concentric and eccentric phases during the bench press exercise. Results: We observed that Caf ingestion improves peak and mean power and velocity at concentric and eccentric phases of both training models compared to those in the PL and CON conditions (p < 0.05). There was no significant performance difference between the training models (p > 0.05). The Caf ingestion reduced time under tension at both training models (p < 0.05) compared to that in the PL and CON conditions, while no difference was seen between training models (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Acute Caf ingestion positively affects strength and power training performance regardless of the training models.