Efeitos da suplementação de cafeína nas respostas neuromusculares e desempenho físico

Abstract

Caffeine, besides being present in the daily diet of most of the population, has proven to be an interesting ergogenic resource for recreational practitioners of physical exercises of various modalities, as well as for athletes, due to its stimulant effect, promoting significant improvements in sports performance. In contrast, a sports modality that has been gaining more and more prominence is the CrossFit, which has as its main feature the high degree of difficulty and intensity applied in their exercise protocols, this occurs due to the union of different exercises that include strength work, gymnastics and aerobics. Therefore, the present study aims to evaluate the effects of a 210mg dose of caffeine in CrossFit® practitioners of both sexes, when performing a specific training protocol of the modality, in neuromuscular parameters and physical performance. This study was submitted to the Research Ethics Committee and accepted under number CAAE 20221419.7.0000.5148. The final sample was composed of 18 individuals, 12 men and 6 women, the volunteers were submitted to three different training sessions, one without any intervention, the other two using caffeine and placebo. The training model used was the "benchmark '' called "Diane", composed of the exercises land lifting and vertical flexion. The administration of caffeine and placebo was done 1 hour before starting the training, in the same place, the neuromuscular variables were analyzed before and after the training, the PSE obtained 5 minutes after the end and the DOMS values up to 72 hours after the session. Our study has as main result the reduction of DOMS values 24 hours after exercise for men with caffeine supplementation and placebo, compared to the control (CON vs. CAF p = 0.002; CON vs. PLA p = 0.011) but with no difference when comparing with placebo, and in the remaining hours and for the female group. It was shown that when ingesting caffeine, there was a reduction in the time to complete the “benchmark” in both groups (ΔCAF = -9.84%; ΔPLA = -11.86%) and a reduction in the PSE by the female group (Δ = -10.98%), when compared to the placebo, while the male group showed no change. As for the parameters height, jump power and muscle thickness, no influence of caffeine was observed, as well as for dehydration, however, an important weight loss through sweat caused by the "WOD" performed (CON: 402 ± 361 ml; PLA: 344 ± 186 ml; CAF: 484 ± 643). Besides the data related to caffeine and physical exercise, the dietary evaluation showed that the volunteers, from both groups, do not consume enough calories according to the energy estimates, possibly caused by the low consumption of carbohydrates, when comparing in relation to the recommended values. Therefore, it is concluded that caffeine is a potential ergogenic resource for CrossFit® practitioners, benefiting their performance in different ways, and also enhancing muscle recovery after exercise, in addition, the importance of adequate energy intake for these individuals is highlighted, since, due to the intensity of the practice, the adequate energy intake is paramount.