Effects of Low Dose Caffeine on Post-Exercise Heart Rate Variability: A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial
Cagney T Sargent1, Tareq K Shahbal1, Andres E Carrillo1,2
1Department of Exercise Science, Chatham University, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA.
International Journal of Exercise Science
|March 10, 2023
Summary
Low-dose caffeine did not hinder heart rate variability (HRV) recovery after moderate exercise. This study found no delay in parasympathetic nervous system activity markers with caffeine supplementation.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Autonomic Nervous System Function
- Nutritional Supplementation
Background:
- Caffeine's impact on post-exercise heart rate variability (HRV) is debated, with inconsistent findings in existing literature.
- Understanding caffeine's effect on autonomic recovery is crucial for athletes and active individuals.
- Low-dose caffeine supplementation is common, necessitating research into its specific physiological effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of a low dose of caffeine on heart rate variability (HRV) following an acute bout of moderate-intensity exercise.
- To determine if caffeine influences the recovery of autonomic nervous system activity markers post-exercise.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, repeated-measures trial involving 18 healthy college-aged adults.
- Participants consumed either caffeine (~170mg) or placebo gum before a 20-minute moderate-intensity treadmill exercise.
- Heart rate variability (HRV) indices were measured during baseline and at three intervals post-exercise.
Main Results:
- Significant main effects of caffeine treatment were observed for standard deviation of RR intervals (SDNN), low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF), and SD1.
- Post-exercise, SDNN, LF, HF, and SD1 were significantly higher with caffeine compared to placebo.
- A trend towards higher root mean square of successive RR interval differences (RMSSD) was noted with caffeine (p=0.066).
Conclusions:
- Low-dose caffeine consumption did not impede the recovery of HRV indices related to parasympathetic nervous system activity after exercise.
- Caffeine may influence certain HRV parameters, but does not appear to delay the restoration of autonomic balance post-moderate exercise.
- These findings suggest that low-dose caffeine is unlikely to negatively affect cardiovascular autonomic recovery following a single bout of moderate exercise.
Keywords:
Ergogenic aidsautonomic nervous systemparasympathetic nervous systemphysical activitysympathetic nervous systemMore Related Videos
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