Caffeine Dose and Duration in Habitual Female Users

Overview

This study compares the effects of acute (single-session) and short-term (7-day) consumption of different doses of caffeine (3 and 6 mg/kg) on maximal strength, strength endurance, vertical jump, and medicine ball throw performance in habitual caffeine-consuming women (daily intake of 5 mg/kg). Thirty-six resistance-trained women were randomly assigned to three groups: 3 mg/kg caffeine, 6 mg/kg caffeine, or placebo in a double-blind crossover design. Participants completed both acute (60 min pre-exercise) and short-term (7 consecutive days) protocols. The main findings showed that acute ingestion of 6 mg/kg caffeine impaired peak power in the maximal strength test, while short-term consumption of the same dose improved peak power in the strength-endurance test. The 3 mg/kg dose was ineffective in all conditions. Caffeine did not affect jump or throw performance. The study highlights the need for individualized caffeine guidelines based on timing, dosage, and habituation status.

Conditions