Professor Greg Whyte OBE, a former Olympian and sports scientist summarised the latest research relating to caffeine consumption and sports performance. Click below to hear Prof. Whyte discuss optimal dosage:
Whether an elite or recreational athlete, caffeine consumption will similarly impact the body. Click below to hear Prof. Whyte discuss physiology:
In endurance sports lasting more than five minutes such as running, cycling and rowing, there is a some research suggesting that caffeine can improve performance. In anaerobic activity which takes place in short bursts, such as sprinting, there is some research to suggest an improvement when sprints lasting more than one minute are repeated. Click below to hear Prof. Whyte’s conclusion of the known research:
Dr Javier Gonzalez, a lecturer in Human and Applied Physiology at the University of Bath, UK shared the proposed mechanisms behind caffeine’s effect on sports performance. It is suggested that caffeine affects endurance performance largely through its antagonist effect on the adenosine receptors in the brain. Click below to hear Dr Gonzalez explain how this occurs:
It is often suggested that coffee causes dehydration and its consumption should be avoided or significantly reduced to maintain fluid balance. Dr Sophie Killer presented the results of her recent study which showed that, in fact, when consumed in moderation by caffeine habituated males, coffee provides similar hydrating qualities to water. Click below to hear Dr Killer’s conclusion:
Click below hear Prof. Whyte summarise the findings presented at the roundtable:
