Effects of Caffeine on Muscular Strength

• Main Author: Wilson, Scott
• Format: Others
• Published: TopSCHOLAR® 2006
• Subjects: Kinesiology
• Online Access: http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/theses/983; http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1986&context=theses

Caffeine is the most widely consumed drug in the world. Research has suggested that caffeine can enhance aerobic performance. However, its benefits in the resistance training world are not fully understood. Due to caffeine's ability to alter pain perception and the onset of peripheral fatigue it may positively affect performance. This study examined the effects of caffeine on muscular strength, determined by the number of successfully completed reps at 85% of 1RM bench press. Fifteen recreationally trained males were tested for their 1RM on bench press. Subjects completed 3 randomized, double blind tria ls at 85% of their 1RM to failure after receiving caffeine, a placebo, or no treatment. Successful reps were recorded. Data was analyzed using a within group ANOVA (p = 0.05) to compare the differences in reps between trials. No significant differences were found between trials; however the mean number of reps completed was greater for the caffeine vs. placebo trials (7.27 vs. 7.2), suggesting no negative effect occurred as well. Further research is needed utilizing more complete training bouts and lower intensity/ higher repetition training.