Glaister, M., Howatson, G., Abraham, C. S., Goodwin, J. E., Lockey, R. A., Foley, P., & McInnes, G. (2007). Caffeine supplementation and multiple-sprint running performance. ACSM Annual Meeting New Orleans, Presentation Number, 2579.

This study examined the effects of caffeine supplementation on multiple-sprint running performance. Physically active men (N = 21) ingested a gelatine capsule containing either caffeine (5 mg/kg body mass) or the same volume (4 mg/kg body mass) of placebo (maltodextrin) one hour before completing an indoor multiple-sprint running trial (12 x 30 m; each repetition at 35-second intervals). Sprint times, heart rates, and ratings of perceived exertion were recorded.

Relative to placebo, caffeine supplementation resulted in a 0.06 second reduction in fastest sprint time, a 1.2% increase in fatigue, a 3.4 bpm increase in mean heart rate, and significant elevations in pre- and post-test blood lactate concentrations. There was no significant effect of caffeine supplementation on ratings of perceived exertion.

Implication. In some individuals, caffeine has ergogenic properties that benefit performance in both single and multiple sprint sports.

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