Effects of Caffeine on Exercise Performance, Lactate, F.F.A., Triglycerides, Prolactin, Cortisol and Amylase in Maximal Aerobic Exercise

In this study the effect of caffeine (5 mg/kg) on maximal power output, lactate, blood FFA, triglyceride, amylase, prolactin and cortisol hormones was examined during a 20 m. progressive shuttle-run test at the same time of day, one week apart. Subjects were twenty male, elite, long distance athletes aged between 19-30. In each of the trials, solutions were given one hour prior to testing by Appling a single blind experimental design. Statistical analysis was carried out on the relevant data using Student's T-tests. Caffeine trial was compared with the placebo. MaxVO 2 values, which reflects sportive performance of the sportsman, during exercise and all parameters before exercise were not significantly different between caffeine and placebo trials (P>0.05). After exercise (6min.), values were as fallows. Systolic blood pressure values were found to be significantly higher (P=0.02) whereas blood lactic acid values were lower (P=0.01) in the caffeine trials. Heart rate, diastolic blood pressure, FFA, triglycerides, amylase, cortisol, and prolactin concentrations were not significantly different between the trials (P>0.05). As a conclusion these results suggest that orally taken caffeine amounts of 5 mg/kg or less does not affect exercise performance and are not effective as a doping substance.