Does Caffeine Supplementation Associated with Paralympic Powerlifting Training Interfere with Hemodynamic Indicators?

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Nutritional Supplementation

Background:

• Resistance exercise, particularly high-load training, generally improves hemodynamic responses.
• Caffeine supplementation is common for performance enhancement but can affect blood pressure and heart rate.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of caffeine anhydrous supplementation on hemodynamic indicators in Paralympic weightlifters.
• To assess the safety of caffeine supplementation concerning cardiovascular strain in adapted strength sports.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 14 male Paralympic weightlifters over three weeks.
• Participants underwent adapted bench press training (5x5 at 80% 1RM) under two conditions: caffeine anhydrous (9 mg/kg) and placebo.
• Hemodynamic indicators including blood pressure, heart rate, Pressure Product Rate (PPR), and estimated myocardial oxygen volume (MVO2) were measured at multiple time points up to 24 hours post-exercise.

Main Results:

• Caffeine supplementation led to transiently higher absolute values in pressure indicators, heart rate, PPR, and MVO2 compared to placebo.
• These elevated values normalized, with an inversion observed at the 24-hour mark.
• No hypotensive effect was observed, and heart rate reductions occurred within 10 minutes post-exercise.

Conclusions:

• Caffeine supplementation at 9 mg/kg does not pose risks to hemodynamic indicators like PPR and MVO2 in Paralympic weightlifters.
• The findings support the safe use of caffeine as a performance-enhancing supplement in adapted strength sports.