Sports performance

Summary

• Any effects of coffee consumption on sports performance are linked to the caffeine in coffee, rather than to coffee per se.
• There is clear evidence that caffeine can be an ergogenic aid, i.e. a substance that improves the capacity to do work or exercise:

The effect is most evident in endurance (aerobic) sports. Caffeine appears to help athletes reduce the amount of time it takes to run, cycle or row a set distance as well as reduce muscle pain.

• Although caffeine also appears to improve performance in certain types of short-term, high intensity (anaerobic) exercise in specific groups. e.g. in trained athletes performing intermittent exercises or team sports, the overall evidence on the effect of caffeine on short-term, high-intensity activities remains inconclusive.
• Caffeine most likely exerts its effect via a pathway that leads to an increased production of adrenalin, which stimulates energy production and improves blood flow to the muscles and heart.

Caffeine may modulate fatigue and influence ratings of exertion, perceived pain and energy levels, all of which are likely to lead to improvements in performance.

• The International Society of Sports Nutrition issued a position statement on caffeine supplementation and sports performance in 2010 which summarizes the evidence to date.