Abstract

The effect of three dosages of caffeine upon physical performance in male adults was studied. The effcts of caffeine on resting heart rate, resting blood pressure, respiration at rest, exercise blood pressure, exercise heart rate, aerobic power (max V02) and maximal endurance capacity (duration of work performance) were specifically studied. 22 negro undergraduate students of the University of Ibadan with a mean age of 30.6 years served as subjects. Prior to working on a mechanically braked bicycle ergometer each subject ingested either a placebo, 250 mg, 500 mg, or 750 mg of strong black unsweetened coffee. The administration of the doses was counterbalanced. The ANOVA revealed significant effects for the doses anly on aerobic power (Max V02) and maximal endurance capacity (duration of work performance). Within the limitations of this study it was concluded that the administration of 250 mg, 500 mg, and 750 mg of caffeine exerted significant effects upon aerobic power and duration of work performance using multistage progressive bicycle riding. Verf.-Referat