Effects of Caffeine on NFL Combine-Like Tests in Undergraduate Students

Caffeine is a widely used stimulant with performance enhancing characteristics. The effectiveness of caffeine in various circumstances, such as within a series of physiological assessments which utilize different energy systems, is less clear. The purpose of this research study was to determine the effectiveness of caffeine on different areas of the NFL combine-like tests, specifically the 40-yard dash (40-YD), standing broad jump (SBJ), and YMCA bench press test (YMCA-BP). Thirty-three healthy participants (19 men, 14 women: age 20.42 ± 1.23yrs) consumed a 200mg caffeine and placebo pill on two occasions. The participants were randomly assigned to which they received first and blinded to the caffeine or placebo. Forty-five minutes after taking the pill, participants performed the YMCA-BP (80lbs men, 35lbs women: 30 reps/min), the SBJ (3 attempts with best jump recorded), and ran the 40-YD (2 attempts, best recorded). Participants returned one week later, consumed the other pill, and performed the tests. Results from each trial were compared using a paired samples t-test. The results revealed no difference in YMCA-BP or SBJ. However, results were better with caffeine for the 40-YD (caffeine 5.69 ± 0.86; placebo 5.81 ± 0.89; p<0.001, mean difference = -0.118, 95% CI -0.109, -0.056, Cohen's d = 0.68). With better performance specific to 40-YD times after caffeine, these results suggest short, explosive activities may be enhanced following caffeine consumption. Further research is needed.