University of Tasmania
Browse

File(s) under permanent embargo

Effect of caffeine on cycling time-trial performance in the heat

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-17, 18:43 authored by Nathan PitchfordNathan Pitchford, James Fell, Leveritt, MD, Desbrow, B, Shing, CM

Objectives: The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether a moderate dose of caffeine would improve a laboratory simulated cycling time-trial in the heat.

Methods: Nine well-trained male subjects (VO2max 64.4 ± 6.8 mL min−1 kg−1, peak power output 378 ± 40 W) completed one familiarisation and two experimental laboratory simulated cycling time-trials in environmental conditions of 35 °C and 25% RH 90 min after consuming either caffeine (3 mg kg−1 BW) or placebo, in a double blind, cross-over study.

Results: Time-trial performance was faster in the caffeine trial compared with the placebo trial (mean ± SD, 3806 ± 359 s versus 4079 ± 333 s, p = 0.06, 90%CI 42–500 s, 86% likelihood of benefit, d = −0.79). Caffeine ingestion was associated with small to moderate increases in average heart rate (p = 0.178, d = 0.39), VO2 (p = 0.154, d = 0.45), respiratory exchange ratio (p = 0.292, d = 0.35) and core temperature (p = 0.616, d = 0.22) when compared to placebo, however, these were not statistically significant. Average RPE during the caffeine supplemented time-trial was not significantly different from placebo (p = 0.41, d = −0.13).

Conclusion: Caffeine supplementation at 3 mg kg−1 BW resulted in a worthwhile improvement in cycling time-trial performance in the heat.

History

Publication title

Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport

Volume

17

Issue

4

Pagination

445-449

ISSN

1440-2440

Department/School

School of Health Sciences

Publisher

Sports Medicine Australia

Place of publication

Po Box 237, Dickson, Australia, Act, 2602

Rights statement

Copyright 2013 Sports Medicine Australia

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Specific population health (excl. Indigenous health) not elsewhere classified

Usage metrics

    University Of Tasmania

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC