Effect of caffeine on sport-specific endurance performance: a systematic review

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#athletic-performance #caffeine #central-nervous-system-stimulants #female #humans

Effect of caffeine on sport-specific endurance performance: a systematic review

Ganio et al., 2009 | J Strength Cond Res | Systematic Review

Citation

Ganio Matthew S, Klau Jennifer F, ... Maresh Carl M. Effect of caffeine on sport-specific endurance performance: a systematic review. J Strength Cond Res. 2009-Jan;23(1):315-24. doi:10.1519/JSC.0b013e31818b979a

Abstract

Endurance athletes often ingest caffeine because of its reported ergogenic properties. Although there are a vast number of studies quantifying caffeine's effects, many research studies measure endurance performance using a time-to-exhaustion test (subjects exercise at a fixed intensity to volitional exhaustion). Time-to-exhaustion as a performance measure is not ideal because of the high degree of measurement variability between and within subjects. Also, we are unaware of any endurance sports in which individuals win by going a longer distance or for a longer amount of time than their competitors. Measuring performance with a time-trial test (set distance or time with best effort) has high reproducibility and is more applicable to sport. Therefore, the purpose of this review was to critically and objectively evaluate studies that have examined the effect of caffeine on time-trial endurance (>5 minutes) performance. A literature search revealed 21 studies with a total of 33 identifiable caffeine treatments that measured endurance performance with a time-trial component. Each study was objectively analyzed with the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. The mean PEDro rating was 9.3 out of 10, indicating a high quality of research in this topic area. The mean improvement in performance with caffeine ingestion was 3.2 +/- 4.3%; however, this improvement was highly variable between studies (-0.3 to 17.3%). The high degree of variability may be dependent on a number of factors including ingestion timing, ingestion mode/vehicle, and subject habituation. Further research should seek to identify individual factors that mediate the large range of improvements observed with caffeine ingestion. In conclusion, caffeine ingestion can be an effective ergogenic aid for endurance athletes when taken before and/or during exercise in moderate quantities (3-6 mg.kg body mass). Abstaining from caffeine at least 7 days before use will give the greatest chance of optimizing the ergogenic effect.

Key Findings

Abstaining from caffeine at least 7 days before use will give the greatest chance of optimizing the ergogenic effect.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 21
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Athletic Performance
  • Caffeine
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Muscle, Skeletal
  • Physical Education and Training
  • Physical Endurance
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Sports

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: caffeine

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-10