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Short Session High Intensity Interval Training and Treadmill Assessment in Aged Mice
Published on: February 2, 2019
Does acute caffeine ingestion improve high-intensity interval exercise performance? A systematic review and
Yixiang Peng1, Lei He1, Wenxin Du2
1Faculty of Health Sciences and Sports, Macao Polytechnic University, Macao SAR, China.
Frontiers in Physiology
|June 8, 2026
Summary
Caffeine (CAF) supplementation significantly enhances high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) performance in both males and females. Optimal benefits are achieved with low doses, and the rest/work ratio is a key factor influencing performance.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Nutritional Science
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Caffeine is a widely used ergogenic aid.
- Its effects on high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) performance require further clarification.
- Understanding moderators of caffeine's efficacy is crucial for optimizing athletic performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze the effects of caffeine (CAF) on HIIE performance.
- To identify potential moderators influencing CAF's ergogenic effects on HIIE.
- To investigate the impact of the rest/work ratio on HIIE performance.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and three-level random-effects meta-analysis of 20 studies (n=320).
- Pooled effect sizes calculated using Hedge's g.
- Subgroup analyses and meta-regression were performed to assess moderators like sex, training status, CAF dose/form, and rest/work ratio.
Main Results:
- Caffeine significantly improved HIIE performance (g=0.28).
- CAF also elevated blood lactate and glucose levels.
- Significant performance enhancements were observed across various subgroups (sex, training status, dose, form, interval type), with no significant differences between them.
- The rest/work ratio was identified as a significant moderator (p=0.017).
Conclusions:
- Caffeine ingestion demonstrably enhances HIIE performance across diverse populations.
- Ergogenic benefits are achievable with low caffeine doses (~3 mg/kg) via capsules or beverages.
- The rest/work ratio plays a critical role in modulating caffeine's effectiveness during HIIE.
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