THE EFFECT OF A CARBOHYDRATE AND CAFFEINE CONTAINING BEVERAGE ON SWING SPEED IN SOFTBALL PLAYERS

K. Pfaffenbach,C. Wendt Eastern Oregon University, La Grande, OR Fastpitch softball is a popular game at the collegiate level, with over 1,000 competitive programs nationwide. Swinging a bat is the principle offensive action in softball and bat swing speed is a key to batting success. Caffeine containing energy drinks have been shown to have an ergogenic effect on a variety of sports and dynamic skills, including badminton, soccer, and volleyball. However, the effect of caffeine on softball swing speed has not been examined. PURPOSE: The purpose of the current study was to examine the effect of consuming a carbohydrate and caffeine containing energy drink on bat swing velocity in female collegiate softball players. METHODS: We used a within subjects single-blind placebo controlled crossover design where college aged female softball players (N=10) performed a series of swings hitting softballs from a stationary tee and pitching machine 1 and 2 hours after consuming a carbohydrate + caffeine (CHO+CAF) drink and placebo. In the CHO+CAF condition, subjects were given 3.5mg/kg caffeine and 1.18g/kg carbohydrate. Bat swing velocity was measured using a ZEPP Softball Sensor. RESULTS: Overall, mean bat swing velocity when hitting from a tee for subjects in the CHO+CAF condition was 25.04 ± 3.06 m/s compared to 23.53 ± 2.95 m/s for the control condition (p0.001) in swing speed when hitting from the tee at the 2-hour time point between CHO+CAF and control conditions (24.68±2.99 vs. 23.19±2.91 m/s). CONCLUSION: The data presented here suggests that consumption of a CHO+CAF energy drink, in an amount that provides 3.5 mg/kg of caffeine, results in greater bat swing velocity when hitting from a tee and pitching machine compared to placebo. Supported by EOU Sharing the Learning Grant