Caffeine and Resistance Training in Young Adults

Effects of Acute and Prolonged Caffeine Intake on Neuromuscular Adaptations to Resistance Training in Young Adults

Introduction: Several studies have evaluated and confirmed the ergogenic effect of acute caffeine intake on sports performance, specifically on strength and power performance. However, little is known about the prolonged effect of this supplement on neuromuscular adaptations to strength training.

Introduction: Several studies have evaluated and confirmed the ergogenic effect of acute caffeine intake on sports performance, specifically on strength and power performance. However, little is known about the prolonged effects of this supplement on neuromuscular adaptations to strength training.

Objectives: The present study aims to analyze the effects of acute and chronic caffeine intake on neuromuscular adaptations to strength training, according to sex (men vs. women) and type of exercise (bench press vs. squat), as well as on fatigue resistance during repeated sprints, fatigue perception, mood state, reaction time, diet, and potential side effects.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age between ≥ 18 and ≤ 35 years.
• Body mass index (BMI) < 25 kg/m².
• Physically active subjects (>150 min/week of moderate exercise).
• Healthy men and women without neurological, cardiometabolic, immunological, or physical conditions that prevent them from performing physical exercise.
• Participants capable of performing the tests.

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of neuromuscular, cardiac, or diseases that could affect liver or muscle metabolism.
• Use of drugs or other stimulants that interfere with caffeine intake and intestinal absorption during the tests and study.
• Body mass index (BMI) > 25 kg/m².
• Having undergone prolonged periods of forced physical inactivity during the 6 months prior to the study.
• Performing strenuous exercise within 48 hours prior to the tests.
• Failing to replicate the same food intake on the two experimental days.
• Consuming caffeine after 6 PM on the day prior to training or testing.