The Acute Effects of a Caffeine-Containing Supplement on Strength, Muscular Endurance, and Anaerobic Capabilities

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the acute effects of a caffeine-containing supplement on upper- and lower-body strength and muscular endurance as well as anaerobic capabilities. Thirty-seven resistance-trained men (mean +/- SD, age: 21 +/- 2 years) volunteered to participate in this study. On the first laboratory visit, the subjects performed 2 Wingate Anaerobic Tests (WAnTs) to determine peak power (PP) and mean power (MP), as well as tests for 1 repetition maximum (1RM), dynamic constant external resistance strength, and muscular endurance (TOTV; total volume of weight lifted during an endurance test with 80% of the 1RM) on the bilateral leg extension (LE) and free-weight bench press (BP) exercises. Following a minimum of 48 hours of rest, the subjects returned to the laboratory for the second testing session and were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups: a supplement group (SUPP; n = 17), which ingested a caffeine-containing supplement, or a placebo group (PLAC; n = 20), which ingested a cellulose placebo. One hour after ingesting either the caffeine-containing supplement or the placebo, the subjects performed 2 WAnTs and were tested for 1RM strength and muscular endurance on the LE and BP exercises. The results indicated that there was a significant (p < 0.05) increase in BP 1RM for the SUPP group, but not for the PLAC group. The caffeine-containing supplement had no effect, however, on LE 1RM, LE TOTV, BP TOTV, PP, and MP. Thus, the caffeine-containing supplement may be an effective supplement for increasing upper-body strength and, therefore, could be useful for competitive and recreational athletes who perform resistance training.

The effects of different doses of caffeine on performance, rating of perceived exertion and pain perception in teenagers female karate athletes

“…Caffeine increase intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (c-AMP) by phosphodiesterase inhibition (Tarnopolsky, 2010). Increase in c-AMP would lead to a greater lipolysis, and relationship with regulation of adipose tissue (Davis, Grenn, 2009).Our findings are in line with a number of studies showing no improvement in muscular endurance and muscular strength following caffeine intake (Astorino, Rohmann, Firth, 2008;Beck et al, 2006;Hendrix et al, 2010). Beck et al (2006) showed that supplements containing caffeine do not affect muscular endurance (bench press, leg extension) and leg extension 1RM (muscular strength).…”

“…Beck et al (2006) indicated that consumption of caffeine had no effect on mean power, compared to the placebo.…”

“…Beck et al (2006) showed that supplements containing caffeine do not affect muscular endurance (bench press, leg extension) and leg extension 1RM (muscular strength). Astorino, Rohmann, Firth (2008) reported that ingestion of 6 mg/kg dose of caffeine taken H. Arazi, M. Hoseinihaji, E. Eghbali 690 1 h before had no effect on 1RM strength and muscular endurance (bench press, leg press) in resistance-trained men.…”

“…Astorino et al (2011a) reported that caffeine consumption (6 mg/kg) before exercise (60 min) has significant effect on leg press performance. However, in another study, it was shown that ingestion of caffeine has no effect on 1RM strength and muscular endurance (Astorino, Rohmann, Firth, 2008;Beck et al, 2006).…”

“…Astorino et al (2011a) reported that caffeine consumption (6 mg/kg) before exercise (60 min) has significant effect on leg press performance. However, in another study, it was shown that ingestion of caffeine has no effect on 1RM strength and muscular endurance (Astorino, Rohmann, Firth, 2008;Beck et al, 2006).With regard to the effects of caffeine, probably it can influence performance indicators of karate athletes, but these effects are certainly not clear. Karate requires a high level of physical, physiological, complex technical skills, and tactical excellence for success (Tabben et al, 2013).…”