MedWrite Healthcare Communications

Caffeine and upper body strength enhancement in resistance-trained women
Research has shown that low-to-moderate dosages of caffeine supplementation are ergogenic for sustained endurance efforts and high-intensity exercise. The effects of caffeine supplementation on strength-power performance are conflicting since some studies have indicated a benefit while others suggested no change in performance. While the majority of research that has examined the effects of caffeine supplementation on strength-power performance has been done in both trained and untrained men, no equivalent studies have been performed in women. The purpose of this study was to determine the acute effects of caffeine supplementation on strength and muscular endurance in resistance-trained women.

Fifteen women were randomized to consume caffeine (6 mg/kg) or placebo (PL) seven days apart. Sixty minutes after caffeine supplementation, participants performed a one-repetition maximum (1RM) barbell bench press test and repetitions to failure (RF) at 60% of 1RM. Heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) were assessed at rest, 60 minutes post-consumption, and immediately following completion of repetitions to failure.

It was demonstrated that significantly greater bench press maximum was achieved with caffeine (p≤0.05) (52.9 ± 11.1 kg vs. 52.1 ± 11.7 kg) with no significant differences between conditions in 60% 1RM repetitions (p=0.81).* Further, post-exercise systolic blood pressure was significantly greater with caffeine vs. placebo (p<0.05)>

*Repeated measures ANOVA

Reference
Goldstein ER, Jacobs PL, Michael Whitehurst M, et al. Caffeine enhances upper body strength in resistance-trained women. J Int Soc Sports Nutr 2010, 7:18doi:10.1186/1550-2783-7-18

Article URL http://www.jissn.com/content/7/1/18