Caffeine has a small effect on 5-km running performance of well-trained and recreational runners.
The purpose of this study was to investigate if caffeine ingestion improves 5-km time-trial performance in well-trained and recreational runners. Using a double-blind placebo-controlled design, 15 well-trained and 15 recreational runners completed two randomized 5-km time-trials, after ingestion of either 5mgkg(-1) of caffeine or a placebo. Caffeine ingestion significantly improved 5-km running performance in both the well-trained and recreational runners. In comparison to the placebo trial, the caffeine trial resulted in 1.1% (90% CI 0.4-1.6) and 1.0% (0.2-2%) faster times for the well-trained and recreational runners. Reliability testing of the recreational runners indicated a test-retest error of measurement of 1.4%. We conclude that caffeine ingestion is likely to produce small but significant gains in 5-km running performance for both well-trained and recreational runners.
O'Rourke
Matthew P
MP
School of Human Movement and Sport Sciences, University of Ballarat, Australia.
O'Brien
Brendan J
BJ
Knez
Wade L
WL
Paton
Carl D
CD
D000328:Adult; D054874:Athletic Performance; D002110:Caffeine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D015444:Exercise; D017079:Exercise Tolerance / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D010919:Placebos; D012420:Running
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D010919:Placebos; D002110:Caffeine