Sports performance

Caffeine and performance in short-term high-intensity (anaerobic) exercise

Although there is some evidence pointing to positive effects of caffeine on short-term high intensity exercise, there is a wide variation in results between studies. EFSA does not currently consider there to be sufficient published science to support a cause and effect relationship².

Caffeine appears to improve performance in specific individuals

Studies in high intensity, anaerobic exercise⁴ found the effects of caffeine to be more pronounced in certain groups of people involved in specific sports, such as trained athletes engaging in power-based sports and team sports. This would support evidence for a positive effect of caffeine on those participating in sports requiring intermittent bouts of activity. Additionally, a moderate amount of caffeine was more effective than a high dose.

Caffeine and sports aids may have an additive effect

A recent study found that when caffeine was given to subjects playing a simulated soccer match, in addition to a carbohydrate-electrolyte supplement, there was a significant improvement in short distance sprinting and jumping in the group who consumed caffeine as well as their sports drink⁵.

The effects of caffeine appear to be time-limited

Two trials looking at anaerobic exercise repetition in trained⁶ and active⁷ subjects both reported that the ingestion of caffeine produced an improved performance in the first set of exercises, but this failed to be repeated in the second set. This would indicate that the effects of caffeine are short-term only.