Caffeine increases sport performance
A new research made by sport nutrition experts showed that a combination of caffeine and carbohydrate can be used to help athletes perform better on the field.
Mayur Ranchordas, a senior lecturer and performance nutritionist at Sheffield Hallam University, studied footballers who used caffeine and carbohydrates combined in a drink. After taking this drink the athletes' skill level improved. This study shows that there is a positive effect on skill and performance.
They organized 3 different soccer-specific match simulations of 90 minutes each- two 45 minute sessions to test agility, dribbling, heading and kicking accuracy. The test was developed to mimic a football game where the participants had to carry out multiple repeated sprints, dribble the ball around cones and shoot accurately.
The experts found out that the combination of carbohydrate and caffeine allowed players to sustain higher work intensity for the sprints, as well as improving shooting accuracy and dribbling during simulated soccer activity.
For athletes competing in team sports where endurance and skill are very important, ingesting a carbohydrate and caffeine drink, as opposed to just a carbohydrate drink, can significantly increase performance.
They concluded that soccer players should consume a carbohydrate caffeine drink before kick off and at half-time.
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