Caffeine effect of supplementation on the performance in swimming

Several studies have demonstrated the ergogenic effects of caffeine supplementation on the athlete's physical performance. However, few studies have investigated the caffeine effects on high intensity and short duration exercises. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze the effects of caffeine supplementation on the time of 100 meters swimming sprint and to verify the concentrations of sanguineous lactate in the swimmers after these sprints. A total of 9 voluntaries (6 men and 3 women) swimmers at least for two years, aged between 15 and 18 years old, were submitted to two sprints in the maximum constant speed in a circuit of 100 meters at a 25 meters swimming pool. Before of each sprint the volunteers ingested 5mg/kg of caffeine or placebo, on a blind double procedure, giving an interval of at least a week between the sprints. After the sprints, sanguineous lactate was collected from the lobe of the ear. The results showed that there was no significant change in the sanguineous lactate concentration between the sprints as well as swimming time and physical performance on the intake of caffeine and placebo moments. In conclusion, caffeine intake had no ergogenic effects in this type of protocol study.