Foskett, A., Ali, A., & Grant, N. (2008). Caffeine ingestion and skill performance during simulated soccer activity. ACSM 55th Annual Meeting Indianapolis, Presentation Number, 2031.

This study examined the influence of caffeine on physiological and performance parameters during simulated soccer-game activity. Male competitive soccer players (N = 10) performed two 90-minute soccer-specific intermittent running trials, separated by seven days. On each occasion, Ss ingested a gelatinous capsule containing 6 mg/kgBW of either anhydrous caffeine powder or a placebo in a double-blind fashion along with 500 ml of water 60 minutes before exercise. Heart rate, 15-minute sprint performance, counter-movement jump height, and ratings of perceived exertion were measured during exercise. Movement time, penalty time accrued, and total time were recorded for the soccer passing test; performed before and every 15 minutes during the soccer-specific intermittent running trials. Water (3 ml/kgBW) was ingested every 15 minutes during the trials.

Penalty time was significantly lower in the caffeine trial leading to a significantly lower total time in this trial. There were no differences between trials in movement time, sprint performance, heart rate, ratings of perceived exertion, or counter-movement jump. Caffeine did not enhance diuresis, because of similar body mass losses and post-exercise urine specific gravity values between conditions.

Implication. Caffeine ingestion before a soccer match play appears to improve the passing accuracy and ball control of players without any detrimental effects to other physiological or performance parameters.

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