Effects of caffeine on anaerobic exercise

The effects of caffeine on endurance exercise have been well researched with the majority of studies reporting positive effects. However, few studies exist examining the potential ergogenic effects of caffeine on short-burst, anaerobic exercise. Caffeine may enhance anaerobic exercise by increasing the release of adrenaline thereby enhancing anaerobic metabolism and/or by a direct effect on the skeletal muscle such as causing the release of calcium from the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Given the lack of research in this area, this study investigates the effects of a single dose of caffeine on repeated, anaerobic exercise. The authors hypothesise that caffeine will enhance exercise performance with a corresponding increase in blood lactate levels compared to the control and placebo. Additional hypotheses include increases in resting heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP), plasma triglycerides and glucose, decreases in plasma potassium and increases in alertness in response to caffeine compared to the control and placebo interventions