Caffeine Protocols and Their Effects on Endurance Performance

Indianapolis, IN

Caffeine Protocols and their Effects on Endurance Performance. Bailey Davis, Hanover College. Faculty Sponsor: Molly Winke. Caffeine is a common stimulant of choice among athletes. The potential benefits of different caffeine protocols such as unsweetened iced tea, a Red Bull sugar-free energy drink, and instant black coffee in small dosages were observed in this study. The purpose of this study was to investigate the physiological effects of these different protocols on well-trained collegiate runners during endurance performance. This study consisted of five sessions over five weeks including a familiarization day, a control trial (without caffeine consumption), and three caffeine protocols (80 mg). On three different days, subjects consumed 13.6 fl. Oz of unsweetened iced tea, 6 fl. Oz of instant black coffee, and 8.4 fl. Oz of a Sugar-free Red Bull energy drink (80 mg) one hour before performing a 30-minute time-trial on a treadmill. There was a 24-48 hour recovery period between sessions. Speed, distance travelled, RPE, blood lactate (pre and post workout), and heart rate were all evaluated throughout the time-trial. Initial findings from pilot data indicate that performance ultimately improves with the consumption of caffeine regardless of the beverage. Data collection is ongoing.