Caffeine lowers perceptual response and increases power output during high-intensity cycling

Abstract

The mechanisms by which caffeine exerts its ergogenic effect are unclear, but in long-duration activity a reduced perception of effort is frequently cited as a result of caffeine ingestion. In high-intensity exercise, caffeine is also ergogenic but its effects on effort-perception have not been reported prior to this study. This paper showed that caffeine’s ergogenic properties during constant-load, short-duration, heavy activity coincide with a reduced perception of effort, suggesting a common effect of caffeine ingestion during short- and long-duration exercise. Hughes assisted with the design of the study, the data collection and the editing of the manuscript.