Effects of Caffeine in Sports-Related Performance
The drug, caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine), is consumed worldwide. It is found in tea, coffee, and soft drinks. Caffeine is also a common ingredient in headache medications and appetite suppressants. The drug's primary physiologic effects involve the central nervous system: Caffeine is a stimulant. In addition, over the past several decades, the compound's influence on sports-related performance has also been investigated. Various studies indicate that caffeine may improve endurance performance during long-term, low-to-moderate intensity aerobic exercise. It is thought that this effect may result from an increase in metabolic efficiency. Some investigators believe that caffeine enhances the utilization of blood borne free fatty acids. Unfortunately though, such factors as a lack of standardization between studies and individual differences in response to caffeine have resulted in contradictory research findings. Thus, the exact effects of caffeine on athletic performance remain largely unknown.
An athlete's success in any particular sport typically depends on many factors. For one, their genetic complement is very important. Second, morphological, physiological, and psychological training are also essential. Finally, both diet and ergogenic aids can additionally influence sports-related performance (13:S344-S347).
The term, "ergogenic," is of Greek origin. In relation to athletic performance, it may be defined as "any means to enhance energy utilization, including energy production, control, and efficiency (13:S344-S347)." There are at least five categories of ergogenic aids. These include mechanical, psychological, physiological, pharmacological, and nutritional aids. Ergogenic drugs are employed primarily to "bestow energy or otherwise enhance athletic performance (2:205)."
Although most drugs with ergogenic potential are banned from competition, ca...