Effect of different doses of caffeine on speed and strength parameters of freestyle wrestlers: a pilot study

The ever-increasing competition in combat sports requires the introduction of optimal nutritional and metabolic support factors. Among popular supplements, caffeine is one of the most consumed substances in the world of sport and is recognised as an ergogenic agent.
Objective. To evaluate the effect of different doses of biologically active caffeine supplement on speed and strength performance parameters in freestyle wrestlers.
Methods. A cross-sectional study included 5 highly qualified athletes involved in freestyle wrestling. Genetic variations of the CYP1A2 enzyme were determined. In a double-blind method, participants took 60 minutes before testing: placebo; caffeine: 6 mg/kg body weight, 3 mg/kg body weight, and 1.5 mg/kg body weight. Participants performed a 30-second Wingate anaerobic test on a manual ergometer. Oxygen demand and oxygen debt were recorded using a gas analyzer, and blood lactate levels were recorded at 3, 5 and 7 minutes after the end of the test.
Results. Caffeine ingestion according to the protocol of 1.5 mg/kg body weight showed no differences compared to placebo. Caffeine administration under the protocol 3 mg/kg body weight decreased oxygen consumption values, while the other parameters were not changed. Caffeine administration under the protocol of 6 mg/kg body weight did not change the time to reach maximal power, oxygen consumption parameters, but power parameters were decreased. Blood lactate was increased at the 7th minute of running compared to the 3rd minute when taking placebo. Caffeine administration at a dosage of 1.5 mg/kg body weight resulted in a significant increase in lactate compared to the 3rd minute, but the changes were not statistically significant. A caffeine dosage of 3 mg/kg body weight resulted in an increase in lactate compared to the 3rd and 5th minute. Caffeine administration at a dosage of 6 mg/kg body weight showed a decrease to its baseline level at the 7th minute.
Conclusions. Wrestlers did not improve speed and strength performance and recovery after caffeine ingestion in the 30-second Wingate anaerobic manual ergometer test.

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