Effects of Caffeine Ingestion on Pulmonary Kinetics and Muscle Fatigue During Severe-Intensity Cycling Exercise
Date
2-18-2025
Faculty Mentor
Majid Koozehchian, Kinesiology; Gina Mabrey, Kinesiology
Files
Submission Type
Conference Proceeding
Location
2:30-2:40 pm | Houston Cole Library, 11th Floor
Description
Please note: no video is available for this presentation.
Caffeine ingestion has been studied concerning its effects on pulmonary oxygen uptake kinetics, muscle fatigue, blood lactate concentration, and perceived exertion during severe-intensity cycling exercise. A primary hypothesis from research has been to explore whether caffeine can reduce the slow component and muscle fatigue without altering the time constant of kinetics. In a controlled study, physically active men, in their mid to late twenties, participated in cycling tests under caffeine intake (6 mg/kg body mass) and a placebo, not knowing which one they received. The tests measured the difference between the gas exchange threshold and peak, with an isokinetic sprint conducted before and after the test to assess the participant’s muscle fatigue. Several physiological and performance components were analyzed, including kinetics, primary time constant, slow components, heart rate, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and peak torque.
Caffeine ingestion did not significantly alter the primary time constant, or the peak torque compared to the placebo. It is suggested that caffeine does not affect the rate of oxidative metabolism or the accumulation of fatigue-related metabolites during severe-intensity exercise. Caffeine enhances the drive of active muscles.
Caffeine’s ergogenic effects may not stem from changes in kinetics. Caffeine’s performance-enhancing properties involve other mechanisms, such as stimulation of anaerobic glycolysis and central nervous system activity. Caffeine ingestion can reduce the muscle’s ability to gain power during intense exercise and mentally drain an individual. Increased blood lactate concentration reflects a greater reliance on anaerobic metabolism, driving adrenaline release while decreasing RPE. This may be due to caffeine’s antagonistic effects on adenosine receptors, reducing the perception of fatigue and pain.
In conclusion, caffeine ingestion does not influence kinetics or muscle fatigue during severe-intensity cycling. However, it reduces the perceived exertion and increases blood lactate concentration. The findings indicate that caffeine’s ergogenic effects are primarily through the central and metabolic pathways rather than direct changes in oxygen uptake kinetics or fatigue resistance.
Keywords
student research, kinesiology
Rights
This content is the property of Jacksonville State University and is intended for non-commercial use. Video and images may be copied for personal use, research, teaching or any "fair use" as defined by copyright law. Users are asked to acknowledge Jacksonville State University. For more information, please contact digitalcommons@jsu.edu.
Disciplines
Kinesiology
Recommended Citation
Bibb, Kaysen, "Effects of Caffeine Ingestion on Pulmonary Kinetics and Muscle Fatigue During Severe-Intensity Cycling Exercise" (2025). JSU Student Symposium 2025. 35.
https://digitalcommons.jsu.edu/ce_jsustudentsymp_2025/35