The effect of caffeine ingestion on coincidence anticipation timing, perceived exertion, and leg pain during submaximal cycling

Abstract

Background: Caffeine ingestion has been purported to beneficially influence cognitive performance during exercise-induced fatigue. Purpose: To examine the impact of caffeine ingestion on coincidence anticipation performance (the ability to judge when a moving stimulus will arrive at a target) during submaximal cycling. Methods: Twenty-five young adults (13 males, 12 females) undertook two 60 min cycling trials at 60% VO_{2 max}, 60 min following ingestion of a caffeine or placebo solution in a randomized order. Anticipation timing was measured prior to ingestion, 55 min post-ingestion (before exercise), and then at 15 min intervals during the cycling bout. Timing accuracy was assessed using error scores. In addition, heart rate (HR), ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), and muscle pain perception were measured. Results: For anticipation timing, absolute error was significantly lower (p = 0.001) in the caffeine condition at post-ingestion (before exercise), and 30, 45, and 60 min during exercise. Variable error was also lower (p = 0.003) in the caffeine condition irrespective of time point. Heart rate was significantly higher (p = 0.032), and RPE (p = 0.0001) and pain perception (p = 0.024) were significantly lower from 30 to 60 min exercise duration with caffeine. Conclusions: This study suggests that caffeine ingestion enhances anticipation timing performance and reduces perceived exertion and leg pain during exercise. These findings may have implications for improving sport performance.

Keywords:

• fatigue
• bassin anticipation timer
• interceptive actions
• cognitive performance
• nutrition
• ergogenic aids

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Kathryn Cook, Steffie Manning, and Oliver Hunt for their assistance during some of the experimental trials in this study.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Michael J. Duncan

Dr Michael Duncan is a Reader in Sport and Exercise Science at Coventry University with research interests in the effect of caffeine on exercise performance.

Mike Smith

Mike Smith is an Associate Senior Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Psychology at Coventry University with research interests in the effects of exercise on cognition and decision making.

Joanne Hankey

Joanne Hankey is a Lecturer in Exercise Physiology at Coventry University with research interests in cardiovascular physiology.

Elizabeth Bryant

Elizabeth Bryant is a postgraduate research student at Coventry University with interests in functional movement and performance.