The effect of caffeine consumption on muscular strength and endurance in amateur male soccer players

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of caffeine on muscle strength and endurance in amateur soccer players. The research method was quasi experimental and population research was selected of soccer players leagues of Saveh in 2012. Forty eight athletes were selected (mean BMI= 23.8 ± 0.36 kg/m2, weight= 76.1 ± 1.22 kg, height= 178.5 ± 0.89 cm and age= 24.8 ± 0.49 yr.) and randomly divided into two experimental and control groups. After measuring body mass index, the muscle strength and endurance also were evaluated with one-repetition maximum (1RM) test in leg press and 80% 1RM repetitions, respectively. 72 hours later, the experimental and control groups consumed caffeine (5 mg/kg) and placebo (Flour) respectively. The same measurements of pre-test session were repeated one hour after supplement consuming. Independent t-test was used to compare the differences between groups and significance level was set as p˂0.05. The results showed that there was significant increase in strength (p<0.0001) and endurance (p<0.04) in the caffeine group; but there were no any significant changes in placebo individuals (p˃0.05). Findings show that consumption of 5 mg/kg caffeine significantly improved muscular strength and endurance in the amateur soccer players.