Caffeine and physical training: effects on cardiac morphology and cardiovascular response

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 28, 2026

Real-Time Electrocardiogram Monitoring During Treadmill Training in Mice
04:45

Real-Time Electrocardiogram Monitoring During Treadmill Training in Mice

Published on: May 5, 2022

2.5K

Roberto Ruiz1, Solange de Paula Ramos2, Marli Martins Pinge3

  • 1Associate Postgraduate Program in Physical Education, UEM/UEL, Londrina, PR, Brazil.

Revista Da Associacao Medica Brasileira (1992)
|June 12, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Caffeine supplementation did not alter blood pressure or heart rate in rats. However, physical training, with or without caffeine, increased relative heart weight, indicating cardiac adaptation.

Area of Science:

  • Exercise Physiology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Caffeine is a widely consumed stimulant with potential ergogenic effects.
  • Understanding its impact on cardiovascular function during exercise is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of caffeine supplementation and physical training on cardiac morphology, blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), and heart rate variability (HRV) in rats.

Main Methods:

  • Sixty rats were divided into four groups: control, control with caffeine, trained control, and trained with caffeine.
  • Training involved 4 weeks of swimming.
  • Caffeine was administered via voluntary ingestion in drinking water.

Main Results:

  • No significant changes in BP or HR were observed between groups.
  • Physical training led to an increased relative heart weight in both trained groups.
  • Caffeine supplementation, particularly with training, altered heart rate variability, decreasing LFnorm and the LF/HF ratio, suggesting a reduced sympathetic response.

Conclusions:

  • Caffeine alone did not impact hemodynamic responses.
  • Physical training induced positive cardiac adaptations, including increased relative heart weight and a shift in autonomic balance towards parasympathetic dominance.
  • Combined physical training and caffeine supplementation may modulate autonomic nervous system activity during recovery.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Short Session High Intensity Interval Training and Treadmill Assessment in Aged Mice09:19

Short Session High Intensity Interval Training and Treadmill Assessment in Aged Mice

Published on: February 2, 2019

9.7K
Effects of Surgical Masks on Cardiopulmonary Function in Healthy Subjects06:57

Effects of Surgical Masks on Cardiopulmonary Function in Healthy Subjects

Published on: February 12, 2021

3.1K

Related Concept Videos

Exercise and Cardiovascular Response01:20

Exercise and Cardiovascular Response

Exercise significantly impacts cardiovascular response, which is crucial for understanding patient health and designing effective treatment plans.
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
6.6K
Exercise and Cardiac Output01:17

Exercise and Cardiac Output

Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining cardiovascular health, with aerobic exercises being particularly effective. According to the American Heart Association, 150 minutes of moderate to intense aerobic exercise per week is recommended for a healthy heart. Aerobic activities may include brisk walking, running, bicycling, cross-country skiing, and swimming, ideally performed three to five times per week.
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be...
3.8K
Pathophysiology of Cardiac Performance01:29

Pathophysiology of Cardiac Performance

Typical heart performance is influenced by heart rate, rhythm, myocardial contraction, and metabolism or blood flow. The cardiac muscle exhibits distinct electrophysiological features, including pacemaker activity and calcium channel control, which play a vital role in the heart's response to various drugs. The autonomic nervous system, comprising the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches, regulates heart rate. Sympathetic activation increases heart rate, while parasympathetic activation...
2.2K
Exercise and Muscle Performance01:27

Exercise and Muscle Performance

Exercise induces a range of adaptations in muscle tissue, depending on the type and duration of activity. Such physical training can be broadly categorized into two types: endurance exercises and resistance exercises.
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
6.1K
Cardiac Output I:Effect of Heart Rate on Cardiac Output01:19

Cardiac Output I:Effect of Heart Rate on Cardiac Output

Cardiac Output
Cardiac output (CO) refers to the total amount of blood ejected by one of the ventricles in liters per minute (L/min). In a resting adult, CO ranges from 5 to 6 L/min, adjusting according to the body's metabolic requirements.
Effect of Heart Rate on Cardiac Output
Cardiac output adapts to metabolic demands during stress, physical activity, or illness. The autonomic nervous system regulates heart rate via the sinoatrial node. The parasympathetic nervous system decreases heart...
3.4K
Factors Influencing Heart Rate01:30

Factors Influencing Heart Rate

The heart rate, or pulse rate, is a vital indicator of cardiovascular health. It reflects the number of times the heart beats per minute. Various physiological and environmental factors influence heart rate, increasing or decreasing cardiac output. Understanding these factors is crucial for assessing heart function and identifying potential health issues.
Let us explore the significant factors affecting heart rate, including age, body temperature, posture, acute pain, chemical influences,...
5.6K