Effects of Caffeine Ingestion on the Biomechanics of Healthy Young Subjects

Summary

Caffeine is one of the few supplements that have enough scientific evidence to state that can notably improve performance, as different remarkable organizations in the sports nutrition context have classified it as an ergogenic aid with strong evidence regarding its efficacy and that is apparently safe. The beneficial effect of this substance on physical and cognitive performance has been identified in aerobic and anaerobic efforts, including aerobic and muscular endurance, power, or strength.

However, it seems that the benefits of caffeine are usually measured only by its effect on performance, while a comprehensive analysis of its impact on other aspects of the movement technique of the exercise is not considered. Therefore, although caffeine generates better performance, a null or negative effect may occur on technique execution. As such, some consequences might arise (e.g., an increase in injury risk or a decrease in energy efficiency).

The objective of this randomized controlled trial is to assess the influence of caffeine on certain biomechanical parameters of the technique of physical exercises in circumstances without fatigue and under neuromuscular fatigue. The study hypothesis is that caffeine generates modifications in the technical execution of certain movements in fatigued and unfatigued circumstances due to its physiological effects, which may be beneficial for performance and injury prevention.

The participants will have to attend 5 sessions (enrollment, familiarization, control, placebo, and caffeine), at least 7 days apart. In the last 3 sessions, different measurements will be done to their technique while jumping, squatting, and running, without fatigue and with it. Other data will be collected throughout the study to contextualize and analyze in more detail the obtained information.

Conditions

• Caffeine
• Biomechanics
• Fatigue
• Injuries
• Physical Activity

Interventions

DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Caffeine.

Ingestion of opaque capsules with a total dose of 6mg/kg of caffeine, 60 minutes before the beginning of the assessed exercises. A crossover with the other intervention will be done in the next/previous session (depending on the arm).

DRUG

Cellulose.

Ingestion of opaque capsules with cellulose, 60 minutes before the beginning of the assessed exercises. A crossover with the other intervention will be done in the next/previous session (depending on the arm).

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Generalitat de Catalunya

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• European Union

  collaborator OTHER

• University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Arnau Baena Riera, MSc. · Sport, Exercise, and Human Movement (SEaHM), University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia.

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

BASIC_SCIENCE

Masking

TRIPLE

Model

CROSSOVER

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

30 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2023-10-06

Primary Completion

2023-12-22

Completion

2023-12-23

Countries

• Spain

Study Locations