EFFECTS OF CAFFEINE INGESTION ON THERMOREGULATORY AND MYOCARDIAL-FUNCTION DURING ENDURANCE PERFORMANCE

  • 1 January 1982
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 62  (18) , 644-647
Abstract
The effect of caffeine administration on thermoregulatory and myocardial function during endurance performance was studied. A caffeine solution (250 ml; 5 mg caffeine/kg body wt) ingested 1 h prior to 2 h of running by 5 subjects had no significant effect on sweat loss, water deficit, percentage change in plasma volume, final rectal temperature and serum electrolyte levels, as compared with a similar control group who were given a caffeine-free drink. The rectal temperatures in both groups did reach levels associated with heatstroke despite a recommended regimen of fluid replacement. No pathological ECG changes occurred in either group. Evidently the use of caffeine for ergogenic purposes by young athletes is a relatively safe procedure.