title: Caffeine-containing energy drink improves physical performance in female soccer players.
abstract: There is little information about the effects of caffeine intake on female team-sport performance. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a caffeine-containing energy drink to improve physical performance in female soccer players during a simulated game. A double-blind, placebo controlled and randomized experimental design was used in this investigation. In two different sessions, 18 women soccer players ingested 3 mg of caffeine/kg in the form of an energy drink or an identical drink with no caffeine content (placebo). After 60 min, they performed a countermovement jump (CMJ) and a 7 × 30 m sprint test followed by a simulated soccer match (2 × 40 min). Individual running distance and speed were measured using GPS devices. In comparison to the placebo drink, the ingestion of the caffeinated energy drink increased the CMJ height (26.6 ± 4.0 vs 27.4 ± 3.8 cm; P < 0.05) and the average peak running speed during the sprint test (24.2 ± 1.6 vs 24.5 ± 1.7 km/h; P < 0.05). During the simulated match, the energy drink increased the total running distance (6,631 ± 1,618 vs 7,087 ± 1,501 m; P < 0.05), the number of sprints bouts (16 ± 9 vs 21 ± 13; P < 0.05) and the running distance covered at >18 km/h (161 ± 99 vs 216 ± 103 m; P < 0.05). The ingestion of the energy drink did not affect the prevalence of negative side effects after the game. An energy drink with a dose equivalent to 3 mg of caffeine/kg might be an effective ergogenic aid to improve physical performance in female soccer players.
authors.affiliation: Exercise Physiology Laboratory, Camilo José Cela University, C/Castillo de Alarcon, 49. Villafranca del Castillo, 28692, Madrid, Spain.
authors.forename: Beatriz
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Lara
authors.forename: Cristina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gonzalez-Millán
authors.forename: Juan Jose
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Salinero
authors.forename: Javier
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Abian-Vicen
authors.forename: Francisco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Areces
authors.forename: Jose Carlos
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Barbero-Alvarez
authors.forename: Víctor
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Muñoz
authors.forename: Luis Javier
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Portillo
authors.forename: Jose Maria
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Gonzalez-Rave
authors.forename: Juan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Del Coso
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D056352:Athletes; D054874:Athletic Performance; D002110:Caffeine / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D061215:Energy Drinks / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D012420:Running / Q000502:physiology; D012916:Soccer / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D002110:Caffeine