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Study note

Caffeine ingestion increases the upper-body intermittent dynamic strength endurance performance of combat sports athletes.

PMID 33413030 (2022): caffeine — Time-trial performance (study note for endurance athletes).

Updated Jul 22, 2026

Read the study note

Study note • PMID 33413030

Caffeine ingestion increases the upper-body intermittent dynamic strength endurance performance of combat sports athletes.

European journal of sport science2022 • DOI 10.1080/17461391.2021.1874058

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: crossover 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

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of caffeine ingestion on upper-body intermittent strength endurance performance of combat sports athletes. (crossover trial; 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: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of caffeine ingestion on upper-body intermittent strength endurance performance of combat sports athletes.
  • The abstract suggests a positive effect on Time-trial performance under the tested conditions.
  • Population: athletes.
  • Protocol cues (title/abstract): 5 mg • 60 min.

Protocol

Protocol (as reported)

  • Intervention/exposure: caffeine (vs placebo).
  • Dose/time/duration cues in abstract/title: 5 mg • 60 min.
  • Outcomes: Time-trial performance.
  • 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 (athletes) working on supplements.
  • Athletes who can measure Time-trial performance 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: crossover trial (double-blind, placebo-controlled).
  • Population: athletes.
  • Comparator: placebo.
  • Outcomes measured: Time-trial performance.
  • Protocol cues mentioned: 5 mg • 60 min.
  • Source: PubMed PMID 33413030 (2022) — European journal of sport science.

Results excerpt

What the abstract reports

Compared with placebo condition, caffeine ingestion significantly increased the total number of repetitions (+ 7%, P = 0.04; d = 0.44) and the maximal isometric handgrip strength (+ 5%, P = 0.03, etap2 = 0.41).

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