The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of caffeine ingestion on upper-body intermittent strength endurance performance of combat sports athletes. Using a double-blind and placebo-controlled crossover design, ten experienced judo and jiu-jitsu athletes performed an upper-body intermittent strength endurance protocol (four set of judogi dynamic strength endurance test, interspersed by 3-min recovery intervals) 60 min after ingesting either caffeine (5 mg·kg-1) or placebo. Compared with placebo condition, caffeine ingestion significantly increased the total number of repetitions (+ 7%, P = 0.04; d = 0.44) and the maximal isometric handgrip strength (+ 5%, P = 0.03, = 0.41). Rating of perceived exertion, heart rate and blood lactate concentration increased linearly throughout the test (P < 0.05), but without significant differences between caffeine and placebo conditions (P > 0.05). Caffeine ingestion improved the upper-body intermittent strength endurance performance and maximal isometric strength of combat sports athletes. This suggests that caffeine could help to maintain high levels of maximal handgrip and endurance strength in upper limbs, especially forearm muscles, which are responsible for maintaining the grip on the opponent's judogi.Highlights Caffeine ingestion improved upper-body intermittent strength endurance of grappling athletes.Caffeine ingestion increased maximal isometric handgrip strength of grappling athletes.Heart rate, lactate concentration or rating of perceived exertion were not affected by caffeine ingestion.Our findings suggest that caffeine could help to maintain high levels of maximal handgrip and endurance strength in upper limbs, especially forearm muscles, which are responsible for maintaining the grip on the opponent's judogi.
Keywords: Central nervous system; ergogenic aids; exercise performance; grappling sports.