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Sports performance

Overview

Research suggests that caffeine may help to improve physical performance during both endurance and high-intensity exercise.

Caffeine in sport – background information

It is widely accepted that any effects of coffee consumption on sports performance are linked to the caffeine in coffee. Most of the published work on exercise performance focuses on the effects of caffeine, although more recent research has considered the effect of coffee specifically.

Potential mechanisms

Caffeine’s ergogenic effects were once thought to be explained by caffeine’s stimulation of free fatty acid oxidation and, as a result, sparing of muscle glycogen, however several other mechanisms are now also under investigation.

Summary

The current body of research supports the International Society of Sports Nutrition’s 2021 position statement on caffeine supplementation and sports performance, summarised as follows.

Latest research

Sports performance

Low and High Doses of Espresso Coffee Improve Repeated Sprint Performance and Eye-Hand Coordination Following Fatigue Status in Male Basketball Players

A Niknam et al, 2024. Low and High Doses of Espresso Coffee Improve Repeated Sprint Performance and Eye-Hand Coordination Following Fatigue Status in Male Basketball Players, Current Developments in Nutrition.

October 16, 2024
Sports performance

Determining the Levels of Cortisol, Testosterone, Lactic Acid and Anaerobic Performance in Athletes Using Various Forms of Coffee

M Gur et al, 2024. Determining the Levels of Cortisol, Testosterone, Lactic Acid and Anaerobic Performance in Athletes Using Various Forms of Coffee, Nutrients, Volume 16 (19).

September 26, 2024
Sports performance

Low and High Doses of Espresso Coffee Improve Repeated Sprint Performance and Eye–Hand Coordination Following Fatigue Status in Male Basketball Players,

E Niknam et al, 2024. Low and High Doses of Espresso Coffee Improve Repeated Sprint Performance and Eye–Hand Coordination Following Fatigue Status in Male Basketball Players, Current Developments in Nutrition.

August 21, 2024

Affects of Coffee Consumption

Performance in endurance (aerobic) exercise

Performance in short-term high-intensity (anaerobic) exercise

Fluid balance during physical activity

Cognitive function in sport

References

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Sports performance

Coffee, caffeine and cycling performance

Watch our video that explains the performance-enhancing benefits of coffee for cyclists, covering the latest scientific research in this area. The video features multi-discipline bike racer, Juliet Elliott, and expert researcher on caffeine and nutrition, Dr Neil Clarke PhD.

Video/audio
August 18, 2021
Sports performance

Coffee, caffeine and cycling performance

Watch our video that explains the performance-enhancing benefits of coffee for cyclists, covering the latest scientific research in this area. The video features multi-discipline bike racer, Juliet Elliott, and expert researcher on caffeine and nutrition, Dr Neil Clarke PhD.

Video/audio
August 18, 2021
Sports performance

Sports performance: Factsheet

What active people eat and drink affects their performance. Recommendations in sports nutrition range from following the general principles of a healthy diet for individuals involved in a general fitness programme, to personalised diets and supplements for top athletes.

Factsheets
October 11, 2019
Sports performance

Sports performance: Factsheet

What active people eat and drink affects their performance. Recommendations in sports nutrition range from following the general principles of a healthy diet for individuals involved in a general fitness programme, to personalised diets and supplements for top athletes.

Factsheets
October 11, 2019
Sports performance

Coffee and Peak Sports Performance

Coffee is the second most popular drink in the world (after only water!) but did you know it can boost your athletic performance? Find out more here…

Video/audio
July 11, 2019
Sports performance

Coffee and Peak Sports Performance

Coffee is the second most popular drink in the world (after only water!) but did you know it can boost your athletic performance? Find out more here…

Video/audio
July 11, 2019
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