Caffeine Supplementation on Movement Patterns and Reactive Agility in Rugby Sevens Matches

Effect of Caffeine Supplementation on Movement Patterns and Reactive Agility in Rugby Sevens Matches

Caffeine is widely used by rugby players for its performance-enhancing effects. The main questions it aims to answer are: (1) the impact of caffeine supplementation on various performance metrics, including distance covered at different speeds, acceleration, deceleration, collisions, and repeated high-intensity efforts; and (2) reactive agility, across four matches over two consecutive days in collegiate male rugby sevens players.A position-matched, double-blind, randomized crossover design was employed, with six male collegiate rugby players (mean height: 1.78 ± 0.09 m, mean weight: 81.3 ± 9.2 kg) participating in two trials. Each trial consisted of a two-day tournament, with two matches per day. Movement was monitored using global positioning system units.

This study employed a position-matched, double-blind, randomized crossover design. Pairs of participants with similar playing positions, specifically forwards or backs/scrum halves, were randomly assigned to either the caffeine or placebo trial. Each trial comprised a two-day rugby sevens tournament, with participants playing two matches per day. Following a 13-day washout period, participants switched to the alternate trial. Both the participants and the research personnel were blinded to the supplementation condition throughout the study period, with the assignment of supplements disclosed to research personnel only after all data analyses were completed.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Have undergone regular rugby training for at least three years
• Member of a Division I university rugby team

Exclusion Criteria:

• Musculoskeletal injury within one month prior to the study
• Presence of major cardiovascular diseases
• Presence of major metabolic diseases