A time and a place: A framework for caffeine periodization throughout the sporting year

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Nutritional Physiology

Background:

• Caffeine is a proven ergogenic aid widely used by athletes for performance enhancement.
• Its benefits are achieved through various mechanisms, relevant at different training and competition stages.
• Habituation to regular caffeine intake can diminish its ergogenic effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a framework for the periodization of caffeine intake across the sporting year.
• To balance the training and competition performance benefits of caffeine.
• To mitigate negative effects associated with caffeine habituation.

Main Methods:

• The study proposes a conceptual framework for caffeine periodization.
• It integrates training and competition performance enhancement with habituation management.
• It considers placebo and expectancy mechanisms from regular training use.

Main Results:

• A periodized caffeine strategy can maximize performance benefits throughout the year.
• Regular caffeine use in training may enhance future performance via placebo and expectancy.
• This strategy allows for the optimization of individual athlete caffeine protocols.

Conclusions:

• The proposed framework offers a starting point for athletes to strategically use caffeine.
• It aims to maximize caffeine's performance-enhancing effects while managing tolerance.
• Further research is needed to validate the proposed caffeine periodization strategies.