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Study note

Caffeine improves muscular performance in elite Brazilian Jiu-jitsu athletes.

PMID 26863885 (2016): caffeine — Time-trial performance, Time to exhaustion (study note for endurance athletes).

Updated Jul 22, 2026

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Study note • PMID 26863885

Caffeine improves muscular performance in elite Brazilian Jiu-jitsu athletes.

European journal of sport science2016 • DOI 10.1080/17461391.2016.1143036

How to use this page

This note summarizes one study record. Check the participants, methods, results, and limitations before applying it to training.

  • Design signal: randomized trial.
  • Population relevance: athlete/trained context.
  • Consistency: single-study evidence.
  • Practical recommendation depends on tolerance, context, and whether it protects training consistency.

ELI5

In plain language

Scientific information about the effects of caffeine intake on combat sport performance is scarce and controversial. (randomized trial; elite athletes).

The abstract suggests a positive effect on Time-trial performance under the tested conditions. Treat this as a signal, not a guarantee; confirm methods and context in the full paper.

Takeaways

What the abstract suggests

  • Study question: Scientific information about the effects of caffeine intake on combat sport performance is scarce and controversial.
  • The abstract suggests a positive effect on Time-trial performance under the tested conditions.
  • Population: elite athletes.
  • Protocol cues (title/abstract): 3 mg • 60 min.

Protocol

Protocol (as reported)

  • Intervention/exposure: caffeine (vs placebo).
  • Dose/time/duration cues in abstract/title: 3 mg • 60 min.
  • Outcomes: Time-trial performance, Time to exhaustion.
  • Replication note: abstracts often omit adherence and timing; confirm details before changing training or supplementation.

Fit

Who it may help, and who should be cautious

Who it helps

  • Athletes similar to the study population (elite athletes) working on supplements.
  • Athletes who can measure Time-trial performance, Time to exhaustion with a repeatable workout or time-trial effort.

Who should be cautious

  • If you have symptoms or conditions that make the intervention risky, get professional guidance.
  • If you’re near race day and can’t safely test, defer the experiment.

Methods

What the study actually did

  • Design: randomized trial (double-blind, placebo-controlled).
  • Population: elite athletes.
  • Comparator: placebo.
  • Outcomes measured: Time-trial performance, Time to exhaustion.
  • Protocol cues mentioned: 3 mg • 60 min.
  • Source: PubMed PMID 26863885 (2016) — European journal of sport science.

Results excerpt

What the abstract reports

53.3 +/- 3.1 kg; respectively p < .05), countermovement jump height (40.6 +/- 2.6 vs.

Note: excerpts are short; for full context, read the paper.

Limits

Limitations and bias

  • Abstract-only summaries can miss critical details (population, protocol, adherence, and context).
  • Single studies often don’t generalize to your event, history, and training load; treat results as a starting point.
  • If your context differs (elite vs recreational; cycling vs running), adjust expectations and be conservative.
  • This is performance information, not medical advice.

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Sources