EFFECTS OF CAFFEINE INTAKE ON SHORT-TERM HIGH-INTENSITY EXERCISE: CAFFEINE INTAKE TIME

This study aimed to find out the effect of caffeine supplement 60 min and 120 min before loading on short-term high-intensity performance. Twelve male football players volunteered to participate in the study (age: 22.69 ± 2.175 years, height: 174 ± 7.118 cm, weight: 70.55±8.760 kg, sporting experience: 5,92 ± 2,96 years). The participants were included in the study randomly under three experimental conditions consisting of caffeine supplement and placebo (PL) at two different times. Caffeine supplement was carried out as 60 min before measurements (CAF60) and 120 minutes before measurements (CAF120). An interval of at least three days was given in between each experimental condition. In PL condition, the participants were given only water. In CAF60 and CAF120 trial conditions, caffeine supplement as powder mixed with water – 6 mg/kg for per body weight- was given to players. Sprint test (5/10/20/30m), vertical jumps and standing broad jumps with / without the arm-swing, and agility test were applied to the players for each experimental conditions. Repeated measures ANOVAs were conducted to compare the experimental conditions. No significant difference was found in sprint performance, agility, vertical jumps, and standing broad jump with hands on hips among PL, CAF60 and CAF120 (p > 0.05). Standing broad jump with hands free was higher in CAF60 and CAF120 than PL (p < 0.05). Also, subjects in CAF120 had higher performance in standing broad jump with hands free than CAF60 (p < 0.05). In conclusion; results of the study revealed that caffeine intake did not change the performances of amateur players in short-term high-intensity activities. Also, the results suggest that taking caffeine 60 min or 120 min before exercise does not have an effect on performance in high-intensity activities