Effect of caffeine supplementation on repeated sprint running performance

Aim. This study examined the effects of 6 mg.kg(-1) caffeine ingestion in team-sport players (N.=10) on repeated-sprint running performance (5 sets of 6 x 20 m) and reaction times, 64) min after caffeine or placebo ingestion. Methods. Rest single sprint and total set sprint times, blood lactate and simple and choice reaction times (RT) were measured. Results. Total sprint times across sets 1, 3 and 5 (departure every 25 s) were significantly faster after caffeine (85.49 +/- 5.55 s) than placebo (86.98 +/- 5.78 s) (P<0.05). Similarly, total sprint times across sets 2 and 4 (departure every 60 s), were significantly faster after caffeine (55.99 +/- 3.64 s) than placebo (56.77 +/- 3.74 s) (P<0.05). Significantly higher blood lactates were recorded in caffeine compared to placebo after set 3 (13.1 +/- 1.2 vs 10.3 +/- 1.4 mmol-L-1) (P<0.05) and set 5 (13.1 +/- 1.3 vs 10.3 +/- 1.6 mmol-L-1) (P<0.01). There were no significant effects on simple or choice RT, although effect sizes suggested improved post-exercise times after caffeine. Conclusion. Caffeine ingestion 60 min prior to exercise can enhance repeated sprint running performance and is not detrimental to reaction times.