Caffeinated Sports Drink: Ergogenic Effects and Possible Mechanisms
in International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise MetabolismClick name to view affiliation
Search for other papers by Kirk J. Cureton in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Gordon L. Warren in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Mindy L. Millard-Stafford in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Jonathan E. Wingo in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Jennifer Trilk in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Maxime Buyckx in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
This double-blind experiment examined the effects of a caffeinated sports drink during prolonged cycling in a warm environment. Sixteen highly trained cyclists completed 3 trials: placebo, carbohydrate-electrolyte sports drink (CES), and caffeinated sports drink (CES+CAF). Subjects cycled for 135 min, alternating between 60% and 75% VO2max every 15 min for the first 120 min, followed by a 15-min performance ride. Maximal voluntary (MVC) and electrically evoked contractile properties of the knee extensors were measured before and after cycling. Work completed during the performance ride was 15–23% greater for CES+CAF than for the other beverages. Ratings of perceived exertion were lower with CES+CAF than with placebo and CES. After cycling, the MVC strength loss was two-thirds less for CES+CAF than for the other beverages (5% vs. 15%). Data from the interpolated-twitch technique indicated that attenuated strength loss with CES+CAF was explained by reduced intrinsic muscle fatigue.
Cureton, Wingo, and Trilk are with the Dept. of Kinesiology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602-6554. Warren is with the Div. of Physical Therapy, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30302. Millard-Stafford is with the School of Applied Physiology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332. Buyckx is with the Beverage Institute for Health and Wellness, The Coca-Cola Company, Atlanta, GA 30301.
© 2023 Human Kinetics