Effect of Acute Caffeine Intake on Maximal Aerobic Speed in University Soccer Players Assessed by the 30–15 Intermittent Fitness Test
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial
Abstract: The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of acute caffeine intake on maximal aerobic speed (MAS) assessed using the 30–15 Intermittent Fitness Test (IFT) in university soccer players. An experimental, randomized, double-blind, crossover design was employed, involving 26 male university team players (n=26). Each participant completed the test under two conditions: caffeine supplementation (220 mg) and placebo, separated by a 72-hour washout period. The final running speed achieved (VIFT) was used as an estimator of MAS. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, normality testing, and paired Student’s t-test, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. The results revealed a significant improvement in VIFT under the caffeine condition (19.94 ± 1.67 km/h) compared with placebo (18.72 ± 1.50 km/h), with a mean difference of 1.22 km/h (6.5%) and a large effect size (dz = 1.24; p < 0.001). It is concluded that acute caffeine intake produces a significant ergogenic effect on intermittent aerobic performance in university soccer players, representing a potentially useful strategy to optimize performance in competitive contexts.
Source: Sports
Language: English
Topic: Coffee research and impacts
Subfield: Pharmacology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,172
OpenAlex ID: W7140076374