Should I Use Caffeine?
Intermediate
There has been extensive research into caffeine and how it affects sporting performance, especially since it was removed from the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List in 2004. The question is, does it actually improve sporting performance?
Caffeine has become one of the most commonly used ergogenic aids since it is relatively cheap, socially acceptable and legal. Despite the amount of research, however, it’s still remains inconclusive as to whether the effects of caffeine are predominantly physiological or psychological. Research however has provided sound support for its enhancement of endurance performance.
For physically demanding sports, being able to decrease the perception of effort could be the difference between winning or losing a race. Across the board, studies have shown a beneficial effect on consuming caffeine before exercise, whether during a prolonged effort or high-intensity burst.
