Caffeine Ingestion and Cycling Power Output in a Low or Normal Muscle Glycogen State

Abstract

We conclude that caffeine enhanced power output independently of muscle glycogen concentration but could not fully restore power output to levels commensurate with that when subjects commenced exercise with normal glycogen availability. However, the reported increase in power output does provide a likely performance benefit and may provide a means to further enhance the already augmented training response observed when selected sessions are commenced with reduced muscle glycogen availability.

Caffeine and Bicarbonate for Speed. A Meta-Analysis of Legal Supplements Potential for Improving Intense Endurance Exercise Performance

“…These include antagonizing binding of adenosine to its brain receptors which may cause reduced perception of effort and increased arousal and/or peripheral inhibition of muscle pain (Davis and Green, 2009). In support of this notion, participants following caffeine intake report lower perceived exertion during exercise with the same absolute exercise intensity (Doherty et al, 2004; Miller et al, 2014) and in 5 min intervals a similar level of perceived exertion despite a higher mean power with caffeine (Lane et al, 2013). In line herewith, the same degree of exertion has been reported between placebo and caffeine trials during intense endurance performance tests despite improved performance in the latter condition (Santos Rde et al, 2013; Christensen et al, 2014).…”

“…In light of the central actions that caffeine exerts during exercise lowering perception of effort (Doherty et al, 2004; Lane et al, 2013; Santos Rde et al, 2013; Christensen et al, 2014; Miller et al, 2014) the use of analgesic substances not banned at present may also exert an ergogenic effect. This is partly supported by improved time-trial performance (lasting ~26 min) and similar perception of effort as with placebo in trained cyclists after intake of 1,500 mg acetaminophen (Mauger et al, 2010) which is a mild over-the-counter analgesic in most countries.…”

“…In cycling, the presence of the morphine like drug Tramadol in ~5% of all samples analyzed in 2015 by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) also seems to indicate that performance enhancement may be present with administration of analgesic substances (WADA, 2015). This area is poorly explored and confer ethical considerations even though the net response of a reduced perception of effort appears similar to caffeine, albeit by different methods and with different potential side effects (Doherty et al, 2004; Lane et al, 2013; Miller et al, 2014). …”

New strategies in sport nutrition to increase exercise performance

“…Recent changes to knowledge and practice around caffeine and sports performance include recognition that benefits apply across a large range of sports (highintensity events of 1-60 min, endurance/ultra-endurance events and team/racket/combat sports with intermittent efforts) [121]. Caffeine may also enhance training outcomes, especially when used to allow the athlete to train harder during key sessions that are deliberately fatiguing [122] Creatine is an amino acid derived metabolite found predominantly in skeletal muscle from both endogenous synthesis and dietary intake (meat). Since 1992, when the first scientific publication regarding creatine supplementation [124] [125].…”

The Effect of Ergogenic Supplements and Mediterranean Diet on Cycling Performance. Differences According to Duration and Intensity.

“…Arab Journal of Nutrition and Exercise Sousana Papadopoulou et al [44,84], while very low doses of caffeine cannot be ergogenic [6] and a high dose may act against performance [48]. Chronic ingestion of low caffeine doses develops tolerance in low-caffeine consumers.…”