Caffeine Does Not Augment Markers of Muscle Damage or Leukocytosis Following Resistance Exercise

Abstract

Purpose:The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of caffeine ingestion before a resistance exercise session on markers of muscle damage (CK, LDH, ALT, AST) and leukocyte levels.Methods:Fifteen soccer athletes completed two resistance exercise sessions that differed only in the ingestion of caffeine or a placebo preworkout.Results:CK concentration increased significantly following the caffeine session (415.8 ± 62.8 to 542.0 ± 73.5) and the placebo session (411.5 ± 43.3 to 545.8 ± 59.9), with no significant differences between sessions. Similarly, LDH concentration increased significantly following the caffeine session (377.5 ± 18.0 to 580.5 ± 36.1) and the placebo session (384.8 ± 13.9 to 570.4 ± 36.1), with no significant differences between sessions. Both sessions resulted in significant increases in the total leukocyte count (caffeine = 6.24 ± 2.08 to 8.84 ± 3.41; placebo = 6.36 ± 2.34 to 8.77 ± 3.20), neutrophils (caffeine = 3.37 ± 0.13 to 5.15 ± 0.28; placebo = 3.46 ± 0.17 to 5.12 ± 0.24), lymphocytes (caffeine = 2.19 ± 0.091 to 2.78 ± 0.10; placebo = 2.17 ± 0.100 to 2.75 ± 0.11), and monocytes (caffeine = 0.53 ± 0.02 to 0.72 ± 0.06; placebo = 0.56 ± 0.03 to 0.69 ± 0.04), with no significant differences between sessions.Conclusion:Ingestion of caffeine at 4.5 mg⋅kg-1 did not augment markers of muscle damage or leukocyte levels above that which occurs through resistance exercise alone.

The impact of a pre-loaded multi-ingredient performance supplement on muscle soreness and performance following downhill running

“…Our findings agree with others examining the eccentrically-induced CK response to whey protein [ 5 , 8 , 22 ], BCAAs [ 10 , 33 ], leucine alone [ 2 ], caffeine [ 14 ], and creatine [ 11 , 12 ], but not others showing a reduction in CK as a result of creatine [ 12 , 34 ] or BCAA supplementation [ 9 , 24 , 35 ]. Furthermore, our findings corroborate the increased LDH response to whey protein (1.5 g/kg/day of whey protein isolate for 14 days) [ 5 ] and caffeine (4.5 mg/kg immediately prior to exercise) [ 14 ], but not the reduction of LDH as a result of BCAA supplementation (12 g/day of BCAAs for 14 days and an additional 20 g immediately prior to- and post-exercise) [ 35 ]. Again, this is likely due to different dosing of the individual ingredients within the propriety blend of our MIPS and that of other studies as well as differences in supplement timing and training status of the participants in each study.…”

“…In parallel with elevated markers of tissue damage following eccentric exercise are decrements in performance measures, including muscular power, maximal contractile force (eccentric, concentric, isometric), and endurance performance [ 2 , 7 , 8 ]. Previous studies have demonstrated a positive impact on recovery from EIMD through supplementation with whey protein isolate [ 5 ], branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs: leucine, isoleucine, and valine) [ 9 , 10 ], leucine only [ 2 ], creatine [ 11 , 12 ], and caffeine [ 13 , 14 ]. However, little is known about the effects of multi-ingredient performance supplements (MIPS) [i.e.…”

The Influence of Caffeine Supplementation on Resistance Exercise: A Review

“…Because soreness peaks to 3 days following exercise, the results of this study indicate that caffeine can significantly reduce the perception of soreness following resistance exercise. Hurley et al [38] also assessed creatine kinase levels and, consistent with the results of Machado et al [77] (see section 6.2), they reported that caffeine ingestion did not significantly affect creatine kinase levels.…”

“…Machado et al [77] investigated the effects of caffeine ingestion on blood markers of muscle damage, including creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase. Fifteen participants took part in a resistance exercise protocol consisting of six exercises performed in three sets of ten repetitions.…”

Efectos de la suplementación con cafeína sobre la producción de fuerza muscular

“…En cuanto a los efectos de la suplementación con cafeína sobre la percepción de la recuperación se ha comprobado que la suplementación con 5 mg•kg -alanina 1 de cafeína, además de mejorar el rendimiento durante la quinta serie con una carga del 75% de 1 RM en curl de bíceps (seis repeticiones), reduce el pico de creatin kinasa (CK) 54 . Debido a que los niveles de CK se asocian con la percepción del dolor tras sesiones de entrenamiento de fuerza 55 , una reducción en dichos niveles ejercería como un agente positivo en la sensación de recuperación postesfuerzo. La CK, además, se asocia con el daño muscular postesfuerzo 56 , por lo que una reducción en los niveles de CK podría suponer una menor degradación proteica, favoreciendo un balance nitrogenado positivo y, con ello, servir de estímulo para inducir la aparición de hipertrofia muscular.…”