Caffeine Ingestion at Acute and Moderate Doses Does Not Improve Sport Climbing Performance: Results From a Randomized Controlled Trial.
Overview
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Status
- Completed
- Sponsor
- University of Alcala
- Enrollment
- 13
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Pull-up 1RM
Overview
Brief Summary
To determine the effects of ingesting caffeine at a dose of 3 mg/kg body mass on pull-up performance and handgrip-related measures in trained climbers.
Detailed Description
Introduction
Caffeine is widely recognized as a performance-enhancing substance across numerous athletic disciplines; however, its role in sport climbing has received comparatively limited scientific attention. Because climbing performance relies heavily on grip force, explosive upper-body strength, and localized muscular endurance, this investigation evaluated the short-term impact of a low caffeine dose on climbing-relevant performance outcomes.
Objective
To determine the effects of ingesting caffeine at a dose of 3 mg/kg body mass on pull-up performance and handgrip-related measures in trained climbers.
Methods: Thirteen trained young male climbers participated in a triple-blind, randomized, crossover study design, completing two experimental conditions (caffeine and placebo). Performance assessments included a pull-up one-repetition maximum (1RM), a pull-up power test conducted at multiple external loads, a pull-up endurance test, and several grip performance evaluations, namely maximal dead-hang duration, maximal dead-hang force, and rate of force development (RFD).
Study Design
- Study Type
- Interventional
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Intervention Model
- Crossover
- Primary Purpose
- Treatment
- Masking
- Triple (Participant, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)
Masking Description
Participants, investigators and statistician
Eligibility Criteria
- Ages
- 18 Years to 35 Years (Adult)
- Sex
- Male
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria
- •Healthy individuals
- •Age between 18 and 40 years
- •At least three months of continuous climbing practice
- •Ability to hang for at least 5 seconds from an 18-mm edge
- •Ability to perform at least one strict body-weight pull-up
Exclusion Criteria
- •Any musculoskeletal or medical condition preventing completion of the experimental protocol
- •Participation in less than three training sessions per week or a total training volume \<150 min/week
- •Use of medications or dietary supplements known to affect caffeine metabolism
Arms & Interventions
Placebo
0 mg/kg of caffeine
Intervention: Placebo (Dietary Supplement)
Caffeine
3 mg/kg of caffeine
Intervention: Acute and moderate dose of caffeine (3 mg/kg body mass) (Dietary Supplement)
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Pull-up 1RM
Time Frame: Through study completion, an average of 4 weeks
Pull-up strength and power test 1
Time Frame: Through study completion, an average of 4 weeks
Mean and peak velocity will be recorded at 60%, 80%, 90%, 95% and 100% 1RM.
Pull-up strength and power test 2
Time Frame: Through study completion, an average of 4 weeks
Mean and peak power will be recorded at 60%, 80%, 90%, 95% and 100%1RM.
Pull-up muscular endurance test
Time Frame: Through study completion, an average of 4 weeks
Using body mass and perform one set of many repetitions as possible until task failure. The total number of repetitions, Vmean, Vpeak, Wmean and Wpeak were recorded.
Grip endurance in dead-hang.
Time Frame: Through study completion, an average of 4 weeks
Maximum hanging time (MHT) test at an 18-mm edge depth with each hand
Maximum grip strength in dead-hang
Time Frame: Through study completion, an average of 4 weeks
using the Strength Test (ST), which measures the maximal external load a participant can sustain for 5 seconds while hanging from an 18-mm edge
Grip rate of force development (RFD).
Time Frame: Through study completion, an average of 4 weeks
measuring the maximal one-hand pull (voluntary contraction) at an 18 mm edge with a force sensor
Secondary Outcomes
- Body composition(Through study completion, an average of 4 weeks)
- Dietary habits(Through study completion, an average of 4 weeks)
- Physical activity habits(Through study completion, an average of 4 weeks)
- Rate of perceived exertion(Through study completion, an average of 4 weeks)
- Mood states(Through study completion, an average of 4 weeks)
Investigators
Alberto Pérez-López
Principal Investigator
University of Alcala