Abstract

ALTIMARI, Leandro et al. Ergogenic effect of caffeine on performance in middle- and long- term exercise. Rev. Port. Cien. Desp. [online]. 2005, vol.5, n.1, pp.87-101. ISSN 1645-0523.

Caffeine is a substance that does not have a nutritional value being classified as a pharmacological active alkaloid, with stimulating action on central nervous system (CNS). However, this substance has been considered a nutritional ergogenic, since it is present in several drinks consumed daily, such as coffee, chocolate, teas and some soft drinks with guaraná. Its use has been common in sports, specially in last years, particularly for athletes in cycling competitions and middle- and long-distance runners. The ergogenic effect of caffeine on performance has been demonstrated after the acute ingestion of doses of caffeine between 3 and 6 mg/kg of body weight. However, it is not still clear which action mechanisms of caffeine would be involved on performance improvement of long-term exercise. The supposed diuretic effect induced by the use of caffeine has not been confirmed in practice, and it seems that it is related to employment of mega-doses of this substance. Recently, caffeine was removed of the list of the prohibited substances by the World Agency Anti-Doping (WADA). This probably implies a considerable increase of its use by athletes. Thus, it is necessary some cares when using this ergogenic substance, since the disoriented ingestion may contribute to the emergence of collateral effects influencing negatively athlete's performance.

Keywords : caffeine; doping; nutritional ergogenic; performance; long-term exercise.

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