Study note • PMID 38836626
Effect of caffeine ingestion on time trial performance in cyclists: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
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: systematic review / meta-analysis.
- • Population relevance: mixed/unclear athlete specificity.
- • Consistency: synthesis evidence present.
- • Practical recommendation depends on tolerance, context, and whether it protects training consistency.
ELI5
In plain language
This meta-analysis aimed to determine the efficacy of caffeine ingestion to increase cycling TT performance in cyclists and to evaluate the optimal dosage range for maximum effect. (systematic review / meta-analysis; cyclists).
In this systematic review / meta-analysis, the abstract doesn’t find a clear benefit for Time-trial performance. Treat this as a signal, not a guarantee; confirm methods and context in the full paper.
Takeaways
What the abstract suggests
- • Study question: This meta-analysis aimed to determine the efficacy of caffeine ingestion to increase cycling TT performance in cyclists and to evaluate the optimal dosage range for maximum effect.
- • In this systematic review / meta-analysis, the abstract doesn’t find a clear benefit for Time-trial performance.
- • Population: cyclists.
- • Protocol cues (title/abstract): 6 mg/kg • 3 mg/kg • 4-6 mg/kg • 1-3 mg/kg.
Protocol
Protocol (as reported)
- • Intervention/exposure: caffeine.
- • Dose/time/duration cues in abstract/title: 6 mg/kg • 3 mg/kg • 4-6 mg/kg • 1-3 mg/kg.
- • 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 (cyclists) 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: systematic review / meta-analysis (placebo-controlled).
- • Population: cyclists.
- • Outcomes measured: Time-trial performance, Time to exhaustion.
- • Protocol cues mentioned: 6 mg/kg • 3 mg/kg • 4-6 mg/kg • 1-3 mg/kg.
- • Source: PubMed PMID 38836626 (2024) — Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.
Results excerpt
What the abstract reports
“Subgroup analysis showed that moderate doses of caffeine intake (4-6 mg/kg) significantly improved cycling performance (SMD (Time) = -0.55, 95% confidence interval (CI) = -0.84 ~ -0.26, p < 0.01, I(2) = 35%; SMD (MPO) = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.09 ~ 0.79,…”
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).
- • Reviews and consensus statements mix protocols and populations; recommendations may not match your exact constraints.
- • If your context differs (elite vs recreational; cycling vs running), adjust expectations and be conservative.
- • This is performance information, not medical advice.
Adaptive AI coach for iPhone
Meet your adaptive AI coach.
Tell your coach what you are training for. It builds the plan, follows the work you complete, and adapts upcoming training when recovery, your schedule, or real life changes.
Keep going
Performance Science Lab
Research summaries for endurance athletes, with study context, practical protocols, and clear limitations.
Supplements performance research
Supplements are optional. Only a few reliably move the needle, and context matters.
Caffeine for endurance performance: a practical protocol
Evidence-informed protocol: Caffeine for endurance performance: a practical protocol. Practical steps, who it helps, and what to watch out for.