Effects of caffeine supplementation on CrossFit performance in trained athletes

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15517/b27dfk07

Keywords:

caffeine, functional training, ergogenic aids, nutrition

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to compare the effects of caffeine supplementation (CAFF) on specific CrossFit performance, rate of perceived exertion (RPE), delayed-onset muscle soreness, and loss of jump ability in trained athletes. Methods: Eighteen participants (12 males and 6 females), all trained CrossFit athletes, were assigned to a specific CrossFit performance (Protocol Training “Diane”) following a blinded and randomized consumption of caffeine. The RPE after exercise, countermovement jump, delayed-onset muscle soreness, and muscle thickness were assessed both before and after exercise. Results: An enhancement in CrossFit performance was reported after CAFF compared to baseline (BA) (p = 0.001), with a trend towards a decreased RPE (p = 0.056). Furthermore, higher delayed-onset muscle soreness was observed in the BA group compared to the CAFF group (p = 0.010) and the placebo group (p = 0.011). Regarding jump ability, increased performance was noted in the placebo after exercise (p < 0.001). Conclusions: CAFF did not improve CrossFit performance, RPE, delayed-onset muscle soreness, or jump ability compared to placebo. Although both caffeine and placebo improved performance relative to baseline, this pattern is likely due to learning or expectancy effects rather than a true ergogenic effect of caffeine.

 

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Author Biographies

  • João Pedro A. Moreira, Universidade Federal de Lavras, Lavras, Brasil

    Grupo de Estudos em Respostas Neuromusculares– GEPREN – Departamento de Educação Física, Universidade Federal de Lavras, Brasil 

  • Raphael F. Dinalli , Universidade Federal de Lavras, Lavras, Brasil

    Grupo de Estudos em Respostas Neuromusculares– GEPREN – Departamento de Educação Física, Universidade Federal de Lavras, Brasil 

  • Guilherme P. Saborosa , Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Brasil

    Graduado em Educação Física Bacharelado - Universidade Federal de Lavras (UFLA)

    Mestre em Nutrição e Saúde/PPGNS - Universidade Federal de Lavras (UFLA) 
    Membro do Grupo de estudos e pesquisas GEPREN (grupo de estudos e pesquisas em respostas Neuromusculares
  • Claudio Hernández-Mosqueira , Universidad de Bío Bío, Chilán, Chile

    Facultad de Educación, Departamento de Educación Física, Universidad Bio Bio, Chile 

  • Francisco de Assis Manoel, Universidade Federal de Lavras, Lavras, Brasil

    Grupo de Estudos em Respostas Neuromusculares– GEPREN – Departamento de Educação Física, Universidade Federal de Lavras, Brasil 

  • Raúl Domínguez, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, España

    Departamento de Motricidad Humana y Rendimiento Deportivo, Universidad de Sevilla, España 

  • Sandro Fernandes da Silva, Universidade Federal de Lavras, Lavras, Brasil
    Prof. Dr. Sandro Fernandes da Silva GEPREN - Grupo de Estudos e Pesquisa em Respostas Neuromusculares Departamento de Educação Fisica Universidade Federal de Lavras

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Published

2026-07-09

Data Availability Statement

https://doi.org/10.15517/z6k5db81

Issue

Vol. 24 No. 2 (2026): Pensar en Movimiento: Revista de Ciencias del Ejercicio y la Salud (Opens july 1st, closes december 31th)

Section

Experimental Research and Metaanalysis

How to Cite

Moreira, J. P. A., Dinalli , R. F., Saborosa , G. P., Hernández-Mosqueira , C., de Assis Manoel, F., Domínguez, R., & Fernandes da Silva, S. (2026). Effects of caffeine supplementation on CrossFit performance in trained athletes. Pensar En Movimiento: Revista De Ciencias Del Ejercicio Y La Salud, 24(2), e3166. https://doi.org/10.15517/b27dfk07