Effect of acute caffeine ingestion on EPOC after intense resistance training

Aim. This study investigated the effect of acute caffeine (CAF) intake on postexercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) after intense resistance training. Methods. Fourteen strength-trained men (mean +/- SD age and mass =23.1 +/- 4.2 yr and 83.4 +/- 13.2 kg, respectively) who were caffeine users initiallly completed one-repetition maximum testing (1-RM) of four exercises: bench press, leg press, lat row, and shoulder press. On each of two days separated by one week., they completed four sets of each exercise to fatigue at 70-80% 1-RM, which was preceded by ingestion of CAF (6 mg/kg) or placebo. Pre-exercise, indirect calorimetry was used to assess energy expenditure for 35 min; this was repeated for 75 min postexercise while subjects remained seated in a quiet lab. Two-way analysis of variance with repeated measures was used to examine differences in gas exchange variables across time and treatment. Results. Results revealed that EPOC was significantly higher (P < 0.05) with CAF (26.7 +/- 41.1 L) compared to placebo (22.8 +/- 3.8 L). With CAF ingestion, oxygen uptake was significantly higher (P < 0.05) from 10 min pre-exercise to 70 min postexercise. Respiratory exchange ratio was significantly different (P < 0.05) with CAF versus placebo. Caffeine intake increased total energy expenditure by 15% (P < 0.05), but the additional calories burned was minimal (+27 kcal). Conclusion. Caffeine ingestion in individuals regularly completing rigorous resistance training significantly increases EPOC and energy expenditure pre-and post-exercise, yet the magnitude of this effect is relatively small.