title: Caffeine improves neuromuscular function during maximal dynamic exercise.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In this study we tested the hypothesis that caffeine supplementation improves neuromuscular function, which has both nutritional and clinical relevance.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fourteen male subjects (mean ± SD: 23.8 ± 2.8 years) volunteered in a double-blind, repeated-measures study with placebo (PLA) or caffeine (CAFF) (6 mg kg(-1)). Maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVCs), evoked maximal twitch, and maximal isokinetic contractions during elbow flexion were assessed. Mechanical and electromyographic (EMG) signals from the biceps brachii muscle were recorded, and muscle fiber conduction velocity (CV) was calculated to evaluate changes in the muscle force-velocity relationship and muscle fiber recruitment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The torque-angular velocity curve was enhanced after CAFF supplementation. This was supported by a concomitant increase of CV values (8.7% higher in CAFF).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Caffeine improves muscle performance during short-duration maximal dynamic contractions. The concomitant improvement of mean fiber CV supports the hypothesis of an effect of caffeine on motor unit recruitment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Human Movement and Sport Sciences, Università degli Studi di Roma Foro Italico, Piazza Lauro De Bosis 6, Roma 00135, Italy. ilenia.bazzucchi@uniroma4.it
authors.forename: Ilenia
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Bazzucchi
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Felici
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Montini
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Figura
authors.forename: Massimo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sacchetti
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002110:Caffeine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000502:physiology; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology*; D015990:Placebo Effect; D019415:Torque; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D002110:Caffeine