Intrasession Caffeine Intake and Cycling Performance After Accumulated Work: A Field-Based Study

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Preexercise caffeine intake is known to improve cycling performance.
• The ergogenic effects of caffeine during prolonged exercise and subsequent performance are less understood.
• This study investigated caffeine's impact on trained junior cyclists under fatigue.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effect of caffeine ingested during prolonged cycling on subsequent time-trial performance.
• To determine if caffeine provides ergogenic benefits when cyclists are fatigued.

Main Methods:

• Triple-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover design with 11 junior cyclists.
• Participants completed time trials under fresh conditions or after prolonged cycling with caffeine (3 mg/kg) or placebo.
• Assessed power output, heart rate, perceived exertion, and mood state.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in mean power output during the time trial across fresh, caffeine, and placebo conditions.
• Similar non-significant findings for heart rate, rating of perceived exertion, and mood states.
• Caffeine did not significantly alter performance metrics or physiological responses.

Conclusions:

• Caffeine intake during prolonged exercise does not appear to offer ergogenic benefits for subsequent time-trial performance in junior cyclists.
• Larger caffeine doses or greater levels of fatigue may be necessary to elicit performance enhancements.
• Further investigation is warranted to clarify caffeine's role in exercise under fatigue.