Caffeine, but not bicarbonate, improves 6 min maximal performance in elite rowers
Publication: Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism
5 May 2014
Abstract
This study examined the ergogenic effects in a 6 min maximal performance test (PT) on 12 elite rowers: 6 open-weight (mean ± SD; 25 ± 1 years, and 92 ± 3 kg) and 6 light-weight (25 ± 3 years, and 73 ± 6 kg), following supplementation with caffeine (CAF), sodium bicarbonate (SB), and the combination of both, in a double-blind randomized placebo (PLA) controlled design. PT was executed on 4 occasions, on separate days within a week, and in a non-fasted state, with standardized training being performed the day before PT. Protocols were as follows: (i) CAF, 3 mg/kg, 45 min prior to PT + calcium as SB-PLA; (ii) SB, 0.3 g/kg, 75 min prior to PT + dextrose as CAF-PLA; (iii) CAF + SB; and (iv) PLA; CAF-PLA + SB-PLA. The total distance in the CAF (1878 ± 97 m) and CAF + SB (1877 ± 97 m) was longer than in the PLA (1865 ± 104 m; P < 0.05) and SB (1860 ± 96 m; P < 0.01). The mean power in CAF (400 ± 58 W) and CAF + SB (400 ± 58 W) was higher than the PLA (393 ± 61 W; P < 0.05) and SB (389 ± 57 W; P < 0.01). In CAF and CAF + SB, power was higher (P < 0.05) relative to PLA in the last half (4–6 min) of PT. Trials with CAF were more effective in light-weight rowers (1.0% ± 0.8% improvement in distance; P < 0.05) than in open-weight rowers (0.3% ± 0.8%; P > 0.05). No difference between interventions was observed for readiness and stomach comfort before PT and perceived exertion during PT. This study demonstrates that caffeine ingestion does improve performance in elite rowing. In contrast sodium bicarbonate does not appear to be ergogenic, but it does not abolish the ergogenic effect of caffeine.
Résumé
La présente étude examine l’effet ergogène de la supplémentation en caféine (CAF), en bicarbonate de sodium (SB) et des deux substances dans un test de performance (PT) d’une durée de 6 min chez 6 rameurs d’élite de catégorie ouverte (25 ± 1 ans (moyenne ± é-t) et 92 ± 3 kg) et de poids léger (25 ± 3 ans et 73 ± 6 kg). Selon un plan aléatoire croisé avec groupe placebo (PLA), le PT est administré en 4 jours différents d’une même semaine dans une condition non à jeun et l’entraînement régulier est effectué le jour précédant le PT. Les protocoles sont : (i) CAF, 3 mg/kg, 45 min avant PT + calcium à titre de SB-PLA; (ii) SB, 0,3 g/kg, 75 min avant PT + dextrose à titre de CAF-PLA; (iii) CAF + SB; et (iv) PLA, CAF-PLA + SB-PLA. La distance totale dans les conditions CAF (1878 ± 97 m) et CAF + SB (1877 ± 97 m) sont plus longues que dans les conditions PLA (1865 ± 104 m; P < 0,05) et SB (1860 ± 96 m; P < 0,01). La puissance moyenne dans les conditions CAF (400 ± 58 W) et CAF + SB (400 ± 58 W) est plus élevée que dans les conditions PLA (393 ± 61 W; P < 0,05) et SB (389 ± 57 W; P < 0,01). Dans les conditions CAF et CAF + SB, la puissance est plus élevée (P < 0,05) comparativement à la condition PLA durant la deuxième moitié (4–6 min) du PT. Les essais réalisés dans la condition CAF donnent de meilleurs résultats chez les rameurs de poids léger (amélioration de la distance de 1,0 ± 0,8 %; P < 0,05) que chez les rameurs de catégorie ouverte (0,3 ± 0,8 %; P > 0,05). On n’observe pas de différence de l’état de préparation et des sensations gastriques entre les diverses interventions avant le PT et de la perception de l’intensité de l’effort durant le PT. La présente étude démontre l’efficacité de la caféine dans l’amélioration de la performance chez des rameurs d’élite. En revanche, le bicarbonate de sodium ne semble pas présenter un effet ergogène, mais n’annule pas l’effet ergogène de la caféine. [Traduit par la Rédaction]
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Published In
Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism
Volume 39 • Number 9 • September 2014
Pages: 1058 - 1063
History
Received: 14 December 2013
Accepted: 27 April 2014
Accepted manuscript online: 5 May 2014
Version of record online: 5 May 2014
Notes
This paper is a part of a Special Issue entitled Nutritional Triggers to Adaptation and Performance.
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© 2014.
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ChristensenPeter M., PetersenMads H., FriisSigne N., and BangsboJens. 2014. Caffeine, but not bicarbonate, improves 6 min maximal performance in elite rowers. Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism. 39(9): 1058-1063. https://doi.org/10.1139/apnm-2013-0577