[Effect of caffeine in the performance of cyclists under high thermal risk].
OBJECTIVE
To verify the effect of caffeine on yield time, the tympanic temperature and body weight with the administration of 5 and 9 mg/kg doses of caffeine and placebo, in cycling races under high thermal risk conditions.


METHODS
Eight highly-trained cyclists were studied in 3 races of 45 km using the experimental model and double-blind with intra-subjects randomized.


RESULTS
Air temperature ranged from 28.,5 and 32 degrees C and humidity between 71 e 78% with an index of WBGT varying between 24.5 degrees and 27 degrees C, figures that indicate high thermal risk. No significant differences were observed between variables assessed, yet yield time was lower with doses of 5 and 9 mg/kg caffeine than with placebo.


CONCLUSIONS
These data indicate that heat and humidity conditions may be sufficient to mask the ergogenic benefit of caffeine in cycling races of prolonged duration. Therefore, isn't justifiable it's utilization in high thermal risk conditions.
Ferreira
Gardênia Maria Holanda
GM
Departamento de Fisioterapia/UFRN.
Guerra
Gerlane Coelho Bernardo
GC
Guerra
Ricardo Oliveira
RO
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001642:Bicycling / Q000502:physiology*; D001831:Body Temperature / Q000502:physiology; D001835:Body Weight / Q000502:physiology; D002110:Caffeine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D006813:Humidity; D008297:Male; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000187:drug effects*; D005082:Physical Exertion / Q000187:drug effects*; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D013997:Time Factors
D002110:Caffeine