Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a combat sport where competitors utilize strikes (punches, kicks, knees, and elbows) and submission techniques to defeat opponents in a cage or ring. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of acute caffeine ingestion on punching performance by professional MMA athletes. The study used a double-blind, counterbalanced, crossover design. Eleven professional MMA competitors (27.6 ± 4.3 years and 83.5 ± 7.8 kg of body weight) ingested a dose of caffeine (5 mg·kg−1) or placebo 60 min prior to three sets of punching. Each set consisted of 15 s, at which participants were asked to perform straight punches with maximum strength and frequency with his dominant arm. After each set, a 45 s recovery time was applied. Using a force transducer attached to a cushioned plate, the punch frequency, and mean and maximal punch force was measured. The readiness to invest in both physical (RTIPE) and mental (RTIME) effort was assessed prior to the protocol, and the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was recorded after. Caffeine ingestion did not result in increased punching frequency, mean and maximum punch force, RTIPE, RTIME, and RPE when compared to the placebo condition. Based on these results, acute caffeine ingestion did not improve punching performance in professional MMA athletes.

Objectives:The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of intensity on rating of perceived exertion (RPE) during multiple sets to volitional failure in bench press exercise. Design and Methods: Thirteen moderately resistance trained men performed 2 experimental sessions in random order: 3 sets to failure in bench press with 1 minute rest at an intensity of 50% and 70% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM). RPE was measured using the OMNI scale after each set. Readiness to Invest in Physical (RTIPE) and Mental (RTIME) Effort were assessed before each set. Results: Repetitions to failure (46.46 ± 9.43 vs 26.62 ± 8.19; P<0.001) and total weight lifted (2044.31 ± 414.5 vs 1650.15 ± 507.83 kg; P<0.001) were greater at 50% when compared to the 70% 1RM condition. There were no differences in RPE, RTIPE, RTIME and heart rate across conditions. Conclusions: These results indicate that when repetitions are done to volitional failure, monitoring RPE is not a useful technique in regulating intensity during resistance training.(Journal of Trainology 2014;3:41-46)

Introdução: A cafeína é um recurso ergogênico amplamente utilizado em diferentes modalidades esportivas. No futebola habilidade de sprints repetidos é fundamental para o rendimento durante a competição, entretanto ainda não se tem clareza sobre os efeitos da cafeína na habilidade em questão. Objetivo: avaliar o efeito da ingestão aguda de cafeína no desempenho de sprints repetidos de jovens atletas de futebol. Métodos: Foram selecionados 13 atletas da categoria sub-20 de futebol. Os atletas ingeriram 5 mg/kg de cafeína ou placebo em um delineamento cruzado duplo cego. Uma hora após a ingestão os atletas foram submetidos ao teste de 6 sprints repetidos de 40 m com 20 segundos de descanso entre cada sprint. Cada tempo de sprint foi gravado utilizando o sistema de fotocélula. Para análise estatística foi utilizada ANOVA de medidas repetidas (2 x 6). Resultados: Foi encontrada diferença estatisticamente significativa para o fator tempo (p < 0,0001) indicando um aumento do tempo total gasto para completar o teste independente da condição (cafeína/placebo). Não foi encontrada diferença significativa para o fator condição (p = 0,66). Conclusão: No presente estudo a ingestão aguda de 5 mg/kg de cafeína não melhorou o desempenho na habilidade de sprints repetidos em atletas jovens de futebol.

No abstract