Caffeinated Gum Softball Performance

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Caffeine
• Interventions: Other: CAFFEINE GUM

• Registration Number: NCT06079996
• Lead Sponsor: Chih-Hui Chiu

Brief Summary

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of caffeinated chewing gum on female softball pitching and hitting performance. 24 trained female softball players (10 pitchers and 14 fielders) were divided into a caffeine chewing gum trial (CAF) or a placebo trial (PLA) in a single-blind, randomized, crossover experimental design. Two pieces of gum containing 100 mg of caffeine (CAF) or without caffeine (PLA) were chewed for 10 minutes and then spit out, followed by a 15-minute warm-up. The physical tests included grip strength and countermovement jump. The softball-specific tests included pitching (fast ball speed) or hitting (exit speed). The two trials were separated by seven days.

Detailed Description

This study utilized a randomized, crossover, single-blind experimental design. At least two familiarization tests were conducted one week before the formal trial to ensure each participant was familiar with the experimental procedures. Before the first formal trial, participants were randomly assigned to either the caffeinated chewing gum trial (CAF) with 200 mg of caffeine or the placebo trial (PLA) without caffeine, seven days apart (Figure 1). The primary outcome was the pitching and hitting performance, and the secondary outcomes were hand grip strength and height of countermovement jump.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2022-05-20
• Primary Completion: 2022-12-20
• Study Completion: 2022-12-20
• Status Verified: 2023-10
• Study First Submitted: 2023-10-06
• Study First Submitted QC: 2023-10-06
• Last Update Submitted: 2023-10-06
• Study First Posted: 2023-10-12
• Last Update Posted: 2023-10-12

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: Female
• Target Recruitment: 24

Inclusion Criteria

• 1. adult female; 2. at least six years of professional softball training and familiarity with all softball skills; 3. caffeine intake of less than 80 mg daily.

Exclusion Criteria

• 1. not professionally trained; 2. having a medical condition for which exercise is not recommended, such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, or heart disease; 3. having any musculoskeletal injuries within the last six months or not being able to complete a full trial; 4. having a history of caffeine allergy.

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: CROSSOVER

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
placebo	CAFFEINE GUM	The gum without caffeine (PLA) were chewed for 10 minutes before test
caffeine gum	CAFFEINE GUM	The gum containing 200 mg of caffeine (CAF) were chewed for 10 minutes before test

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
pitching performance	15 min after intervention	Throw 10 fastballs
batting performance	15 min after intervention	Hit 15 balls

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

National Taiwan University of Sport; 🇨🇳 Taichung, Taiwan