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Caffeine Preserves Strength during Exercise in Heat Spanish researchers recently investigated the independent and combined effects of water, carbohydrate, and caffeine on fatigue during prolonged exercise in the heat. Seven cyclists completed a two-hour ride on stationary bikes in a hot environment, consuming either no fluid, water, a carbohydrate sports drink, no fluid plus caffeine, water plus caffeine, or a carbohydrate sports drink plus caffeine. At regular intervals during the tests, maximal cycling power (PMAX) was measured. Before and after each test, maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), voluntary activation (VA), and electrically evoked contractile properties of the quadriceps were determined.  PMAX was 3 percent greater in the caffeine trials than in the non-caffeine trials and MVC force was improved by carbohydrate and caffeine independently. The authors of the study, which was published in Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, concluded, "During prolonged exercise in the heat, caffeine ingestion... maintains MVC and increases PMAX despite dehydration and hyperthermia. When combined with water and carbohydrate, caffeine ingestion increases maximal leg force by increasing VA (i.e., reducing central fatigue)."

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