Caffeine ingestion, affect and perceived exertion during prolonged cycling

S H Backhouse et al, (2011). Caffeine ingestion, affect and perceived exertion during prolonged cycling. Appetite, article in press.

02nd Jun 2011

Caffeine’s metabolic and performance effects have been widely reported. However, caffeine’s effects on
affective states during prolonged exercise are unknown. Therefore, this was examined in the present
study. Following an overnight fast and in a randomised, double-blind, counterbalanced design, twelve
endurance trained male cyclists performed 90 min of exercise at 70% VO2 max 1 h after ingesting
6 mg kg1BM of caffeine (CAF) or placebo (PLA). Dimensions of affect and perceived exertion were
assessed at regular intervals. During exercise, pleasure ratings were better maintained (F(3,38) = 4.99,
P < 0.05) in the CAF trial compared to the PLA trial with significantly higher ratings at 15, 30 and 75 min
(all P < 0.05). Perceived exertion increased (F(3,28) = 19.86, P < 0.01) throughout exercise and values,
overall, were significantly lower (F(3,28) = 19.86, P < 0.01) in the CAF trial compared to the PLA trial.
Perceived arousal was elevated during exercise but did not differ between trials. Overall, the results
suggest that a moderate dose of CAF ingested 1 h prior to exercise maintains a more positive subjective
experience during prolonged cycling. This observation may partially explain caffeine’s ergogenic effects.
2011 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

S H Backhouse et al, (2011). Caffeine ingestion, affect and perceived exertion during prolonged cycling. Appetite, article in press.

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