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Abstract

Caffeine is thought to provide ergogenic benefits during endurance performance. However, there is limited research on the effects of caffeine on anaerobic sports performance. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of 6 mg·kg-1 of caffeine on repeated sprint performance. The sample included active college students (N = 18), classified as habitual caffeine or caffeine naïve users. Participants completed a 12 x 30-m sprint test with 35 s rest intervals between sprints. Ratings of Perceived Exertion were collected every 3rd sprint. Height and body mass were measured and participants accommodated to the sprint test on Day 1. Participants were randomly assigned to the placebo or caffeine condition on Day 2 and the treatment was reversed on Day 3. Caffeine was ingested in a sports drink 1 h prior to performing the sprints. Caffeine produced a significantly faster best sprint time compared to the placebo trial, F (1, 17) = 7.38, MSE = .02, H-F p = .02. However, no significant difference was found between caffeine supplementation and placebo on time to complete the total sprint test. Additionally, no significant difference was found in sprint times with caffeine supplementation by sex or between caffeine-naïve and habitual caffeine users. Finally, a significantly higher average RPE was found with caffeine supplementation as compared to the placebo, t (1, 17) = 2.92, d = .38, p = .01. Caffeine has the potential to enhance sprint performance however, further research with women and habitual caffeine consumers is needed.

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