Effects of Different Caffeine Forms on Aerobic and Anaerobic Exercise Performance

Comparative Acute Effects of Caffeine Delivery Forms (Capsule, Chewing Gum, Mouth Rinse) on Aerobic Capacity and Wingate Anaerobic Performance Outcomes in Recreational Male Athletes: A Randomized Counterbalanced Crossover Trial

This study investigated the effects of different caffeine delivery forms on aerobic and anaerobic exercise performance in healthy adults. Participants completed experimental trials involving caffeine capsule ingestion, caffeine gum chewing, and caffeine mouth rinse conditions. Aerobic performance was assessed using maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), and anaerobic performance was evaluated using the Wingate anaerobic test. The study used a randomized crossover design where each participant completed all experimental conditions.

Caffeine is widely used as an ergogenic aid to enhance athletic performance. Different forms of caffeine administration such as capsules, chewing gum, and mouth rinses may produce different physiological responses due to differences in absorption rate and oral receptor stimulation. However, limited research has directly compared these delivery methods within the same participants.

This randomized crossover study aimed to compare the effects of caffeine capsule ingestion, caffeine gum chewing, and caffeine mouth rinse on aerobic and anaerobic exercise performance. Fourteen healthy adults participated in the study and completed experimental trials under each caffeine condition. Aerobic performance was measured using maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), while anaerobic performance was assessed using the Wingate anaerobic test. The results of this study may help clarify the effectiveness of different caffeine delivery forms for improving exercise performance.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthy male recreational athletes aged 18-25 years.
• At least 2 years of regular training history (3-4 sessions per week).
• Non-smoker.No diagnosed chronic disease.
• No current musculoskeletal injury.
• Willingness to abstain from caffeine consumption for 48 hours before each test session.
• Willingness to avoid strenuous exercise for 48 hours before each test session.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Known allergy or sensitivity to caffeine.
• Use of any performance-enhancing supplements during the study period.
• Failure to comply with the standardized nutritional requirements before testing.
• Failure to comply with the standardized sleep requirements before testing.
• Inability to complete all experimental conditions (Capsule, Gum, Rinse, and Placebo).