Can Caffeine Be an Effective Ergogenic Aid in Combat Sports? A Comprehensive Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12775/JEHS.2025.77.57144Keywords
Cafeine, combat sports, Athletes, SupplementationAbstract
Introduction: Caffeine, a well-known stimulant, is commonly used by athletes to enhance performance across various sports, including combat sports. Its ergogenic properties, such as improved strength, endurance, and cognitive function, have been well documented in the literature. This paper explores the effects of caffeine supplementation on combat sports, specifically in disciplines such as judo, jiu-jitsu, taekwondo, and boxing. The impact of different doses of caffeine on performance in these sports is examined, along with potential risks, limitations, and considerations for its use.
Aim of Study: The primary aim of this study is to analyze the effects of caffeine on performance in combat sports, considering various factors such as optimal dosage, timing, and the impact of habitual caffeine consumption. Additionally, this paper evaluates the potential adverse effects, including anxiety, sleep disturbances, and cardiovascular concerns, as well as the considerations regarding caffeine’s status as a banned substance in sports.
Material and methods: A review of the literature on caffeine and its effect was performed using the PubMed database.
Results and Conclusions: Caffeine supplementation consistently enhances performance in combat sports. Doses ranging from 3–6 mg/kg were found to improve strength, endurance, and reaction times across various combat sports, with higher doses being more effective for elite athletes. However, habitual caffeine consumption may diminish responsiveness to caffeine’s ergogenic effects. Caffeine’s potential adverse effects, such as anxiety, insomnia, and increased heart rate, were reported, with gender differences in sensitivity. While caffeine’s ergogenic effects are well-established, its use should be personalized, considering individual responses and training status. Furthermore, caffeine's legal status and potential interactions with other substances, such as alcohol and medications, must be considered in competitive settings.
References
1. Tabben M, Coquart J, Chaabene H, Franchini E, Chamari K, Tourny C. "Validity and Reliability of New Karate-Specific Aerobic Test for Karatekas." Int J Sports Physiol Perform 9, no. 6 (Nov 2014): 953-8. https://dx.doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2013-0465.
2. Ruddock HK, Brunstrom JM, Higgs S. "The Social Facilitation of Eating: Why Does the Mere Presence of Others Cause an Increase in Energy Intake?", Physiol Behav 240 (Oct 15 2021): 113539. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.physbeh.2021.113539.
3. Franchini E, Brito CJ, Artioli GG. "Weight Loss in Combat Sports: Physiological, Psychological and Performance Effects." J Int Soc Sports Nutr 9, no. 1 (Dec 13 2012): 52. https://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1550-2783-9-52.
4. James P, Hart JE, Banay RF, Laden F. "Exposure to Greenness and Mortality in a Nationwide Prospective Cohort Study of Women." Environ Health Perspect 124, no. 9 (Sep 2016): 1344-52. https://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1510363.
5. Keisler BD, Armsey TD, 2nd. "Caffeine as an Ergogenic Aid." Curr Sports Med Rep 5, no. 4 (Jun 2006): 215-9. https://dx.doi.org/10.1097/01.csmr.0000306510.57644.a7.
6. Paluska SA. "Caffeine and Exercise." Curr Sports Med Rep 2, no. 4 (Aug 2003): 213-9. https://dx.doi.org/10.1249/00149619-200308000-00008.
7. Nehlig A. "Interindividual Differences in Caffeine Metabolism and Factors Driving Caffeine Consumption." Pharmacol Rev 70, no. 2 (Apr 2018): 384-411. https://dx.doi.org/10.1124/pr.117.014407.
8. Jurima M, Inaba T, Kalow W. "Mephenytoin Hydroxylase Activity in Human Liver: Inhibition by Steroids." Drug Metab Dispos 13, no. 6 (Nov-Dec 1985): 746-9, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2867882.
9. Tian T, Zhang HX, He CP, Fan S, Zhu YL, Qi C, et al. "Surface Functionalized Exosomes as Targeted Drug Delivery Vehicles for Cerebral Ischemia Therapy." Biomaterials 150 (Jan 2018): 137-49. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.biomaterials.2017.10.012.
10. Fiani B, Zhu L, Musch BL, Briceno S, Andel R, Sadeq N, et al. "The Neurophysiology of Caffeine as a Central Nervous System Stimulant and the Resultant Effects on Cognitive Function." Cureus 13, no. 5 (May 14 2021): e15032. https://dx.doi.org/10.7759/cureus.15032.
11. Daly HE, Czech B, Trauger DL, Rees WE, Grover M, Dobson T, et al. "Are We Consuming Too Much--for What?", Conserv Biol 21, no. 5 (Oct 2007): 1359-62; discussion 63-5. https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1523-1739.2007.00770.x.
12. Shen W, Huang B, Yang J. "Ocular Surface Changes in Prostaglandin Analogue-Treated Patients." J Ophthalmol 2019 (2019): 9798272. https://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2019/9798272.
13. Volkow ND, Morales M. "The Brain on Drugs: From Reward to Addiction." Cell 162, no. 4 (Aug 13 2015): 712-25. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2015.07.046.
14. Williams DR, Gonzalez HM, Neighbors H, Nesse R, Abelson JM, Sweetman J, et al. "Prevalence and Distribution of Major Depressive Disorder in African Americans, Caribbean Blacks, and Non-Hispanic Whites: Results from the National Survey of American Life." Arch Gen Psychiatry 64, no. 3 (Mar 2007): 305-15. https://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archpsyc.64.3.305.
15. Echeverri D, Montes FR, Cabrera M, Galan A, Prieto A. "Caffeine's Vascular Mechanisms of Action." Int J Vasc Med 2010 (2010): 834060. https://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2010/834060.
16. Sebastiao AM, Ribeiro JA. "Adenosine Receptors and the Central Nervous System." Handb Exp Pharmacol, no. 193 (2009): 471-534. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-89615-9_16.
17. Neves D, Caldas ED. "Gc-Ms Quantitative Analysis of Black Market Pharmaceutical Products Containing Anabolic Androgenic Steroids Seized by the Brazilian Federal Police." Forensic Sci Int 275 (Jun 2017): 272-81. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.forsciint.2017.03.016.
18. Marx W, Manger SH, Blencowe M, Murray G, Ho FY, Lawn S, et al. "Clinical Guidelines for the Use of Lifestyle-Based Mental Health Care in Major Depressive Disorder: World Federation of Societies for Biological Psychiatry (Wfsbp) and Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine (Aslm) Taskforce." World J Biol Psychiatry 24, no. 5 (Jun 2023): 333-86. https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15622975.2022.2112074.
19. Tarnopolsky MA. "Sex Differences in Exercise Metabolism and the Role of 17-Beta Estradiol." Med Sci Sports Exerc 40, no. 4 (Apr 2008): 648-54. https://dx.doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0b013e31816212ff.
20. Mohr FW, Falk V, Diegeler A, Walther T, van Son JA, Autschbach R. "Minimally Invasive Port-Access Mitral Valve Surgery." J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 115, no. 3 (Mar 1998): 567-74; discussion 74-6. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0022-5223(98)70320-4.
21. Bazzucchi I, Felici F, Montini M, Figura F, Sacchetti M. "Caffeine Improves Neuromuscular Function During Maximal Dynamic Exercise." Muscle Nerve 43, no. 6 (Jun 2011): 839-44. https://dx.doi.org/10.1002/mus.21995.
22. Lopes-Silva JP, Rocha A, Rocha JCC, Silva V, Correia-Oliveira CR. "Caffeine Ingestion Increases the Upper-Body Intermittent Dynamic Strength Endurance Performance of Combat Sports Athletes." Eur J Sport Sci 22, no. 2 (Feb 2022): 227-36. https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17461391.2021.1874058.
23. Carmo KEO, Perez DIV, Valido CN, Dos Santos JL, Miarka B, Mendes-Netto RS, et al. "Caffeine Improves Biochemical and Specific Performance after Judo Training: A Double-Blind Crossover Study in a Real Judo Training Situation." Nutr Metab (Lond) 18, no. 1 (Jan 23 2021): 15. https://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12986-021-00544-5.
24. Astley C, Souza D, Polito M. "Acute Caffeine Ingestion on Performance in Young Judo Athletes." Pediatr Exerc Sci 29, no. 3 (Aug 2017): 336-40. https://dx.doi.org/10.1123/pes.2016-0218.
25. Durkalec-Michalski K, Nowaczyk PM, Glowka N, Grygiel A. "Dose-Dependent Effect of Caffeine Supplementation on Judo-Specific Performance and Training Activity: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Crossover Trial." J Int Soc Sports Nutr 16, no. 1 (Sep 5 2019): 38. https://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12970-019-0305-8.
26. Felippe LC, Lopes-Silva JP, Bertuzzi R, McGinley C, Lima-Silva AE. "Separate and Combined Effects of Caffeine and Sodium-Bicarbonate Intake on Judo Performance." Int J Sports Physiol Perform 11, no. 2 (Mar 2016): 221-6. https://dx.doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2015-0020.
27. Rezaei S, Akbari K, Gahreman DE, Sarshin A, Tabben M, Kaviani M, et al. "Caffeine and Sodium Bicarbonate Supplementation Alone or Together Improve Karate Performance." J Int Soc Sports Nutr 16, no. 1 (Oct 17 2019): 44. https://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12970-019-0313-8.
28. Saldanha da Silva Athayde M, Kons RL, Detanico D. "An Exploratory Double-Blind Study of Caffeine Effects on Performance and Perceived Exertion in Judo." Percept Mot Skills 126, no. 3 (Jun 2019): 515-29. https://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0031512519826726.
29. Merino Fernandez M, Ruiz-Moreno C, Giraldez-Costas V, Gonzalez-Millan C, Matos-Duarte M, Gutierrez-Hellin J, et al. "Caffeine Doses of 3 Mg/Kg Increase Unilateral and Bilateral Vertical Jump Outcomes in Elite Traditional Jiu-Jitsu Athletes." Nutrients 13, no. 5 (May 18 2021). https://dx.doi.org/10.3390/nu13051705.
30. Diaz-Lara FJ, Del Coso J, Garcia JM, Portillo LJ, Areces F, Abian-Vicen J. "Caffeine Improves Muscular Performance in Elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Athletes." Eur J Sport Sci 16, no. 8 (Nov 2016): 1079-86. https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17461391.2016.1143036.
31. Lopes-Silva JP, Silva Santos JF, Branco BH, Abad CC, Oliveira LF, Loturco I, et al. "Caffeine Ingestion Increases Estimated Glycolytic Metabolism During Taekwondo Combat Simulation but Does Not Improve Performance or Parasympathetic Reactivation." PLoS One 10, no. 11 (2015): e0142078. https://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0142078.
32. Santos VG, Santos VR, Felippe LJ, Almeida JW, Jr., Bertuzzi R, Kiss MA, et al. "Caffeine Reduces Reaction Time and Improves Performance in Simulated-Contest of Taekwondo." Nutrients 6, no. 2 (Feb 10 2014): 637-49. https://dx.doi.org/10.3390/nu6020637.
33. Ouergui I, Mahdi N, Delleli S, Messaoudi H, Chtourou H, Sahnoun Z, et al. "Acute Effects of Low Dose of Caffeine Ingestion Combined with Conditioning Activity on Psychological and Physical Performances of Male and Female Taekwondo Athletes." Nutrients 14, no. 3 (Jan 28 2022). https://dx.doi.org/10.3390/nu14030571.
34. Coswig VS, Gentil P, Irigon F, Del Vecchio FB. "Caffeine Ingestion Changes Time-Motion and Technical-Tactical Aspects in Simulated Boxing Matches: A Randomized Double-Blind Pla-Controlled Crossover Study." Eur J Sport Sci 18, no. 7 (Aug 2018): 975-83. https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17461391.2018.1465599.
35. Zhang Y, Diao P, Wang J, Li S, Fan Q, Han Y, et al. "The Effect of Post-Activation Potentiation Enhancement Alone or in Combination with Caffeine on Anaerobic Performance in Boxers: A Double-Blind, Randomized Crossover Study." Nutrients 16, no. 2 (Jan 11 2024). https://dx.doi.org/10.3390/nu16020235.
36. Krawczyk R, Krzysztofik M, Kostrzewa M, Komarek Z, Wilk M, Del Coso J, et al. "Preliminary Research Towards Acute Effects of Different Doses of Caffeine on Strength-Power Performance in Highly Trained Judo Athletes." Int J Environ Res Public Health 19, no. 5 (Mar 1 2022). https://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19052868.
37. Merino-Fernandez M, Giraldez-Costas V, Gonzalez-Garcia J, Gutierrez-Hellin J, Gonzalez-Millan C, Matos-Duarte M, et al. "Effects of 3 Mg/Kg Body Mass of Caffeine on the Performance of Jiu-Jitsu Elite Athletes." Nutrients 14, no. 3 (Feb 5 2022). https://dx.doi.org/10.3390/nu14030675.
38. Negaresh R, Del Coso J, Mokhtarzade M, Lima-Silva AE, Baker JS, Willems MET, et al. "Effects of Different Dosages of Caffeine Administration on Wrestling Performance During a Simulated Tournament." Eur J Sport Sci 19, no. 4 (May 2019): 499-507. https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17461391.2018.1534990.
39. Jodra P, Lago-Rodriguez A, Sanchez-Oliver AJ, Lopez-Samanes A, Perez-Lopez A, Veiga-Herreros P, et al. "Effects of Caffeine Supplementation on Physical Performance and Mood Dimensions in Elite and Trained-Recreational Athletes." J Int Soc Sports Nutr 17, no. 1 (Jan 3 2020): 2. https://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12970-019-0332-5.
40. Bchir F, Dogui M, Ben Fradj R, Arnaud MJ, Saguem S. "Differences in Pharmacokinetic and Electroencephalographic Responses to Caffeine in Sleep-Sensitive and Non-Sensitive Subjects." C R Biol 329, no. 7 (Jul 2006): 512-9. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.crvi.2006.01.006.
41. Lara B, Gonzalez-Millan C, Salinero JJ, Abian-Vicen J, Areces F, Barbero-Alvarez JC, et al. "Caffeine-Containing Energy Drink Improves Physical Performance in Female Soccer Players." Amino Acids 46, no. 5 (May 2014): 1385-92. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00726-014-1709-z.
42. Salinero JJ, Lara B, Abian-Vicen J, Gonzalez-Millan C, Areces F, Gallo-Salazar C, et al. "The Use of Energy Drinks in Sport: Perceived Ergogenicity and Side Effects in Male and Female Athletes." Br J Nutr 112, no. 9 (Nov 14 2014): 1494-502. https://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0007114514002189.
43. Pasman WJ, van Baak MA, Jeukendrup AE, de Haan A. "The Effect of Different Dosages of Caffeine on Endurance Performance Time." Int J Sports Med 16, no. 4 (May 1995): 225-30. https://dx.doi.org/10.1055/s-2007-972996.
44. Oberstar JV, Bernstein GA, Thuras PD. "Caffeine Use and Dependence in Adolescents: One-Year Follow-Up." J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol 12, no. 2 (Summer 2002): 127-35. https://dx.doi.org/10.1089/104454602760219162.
45. Mehta A, Jain AC, Mehta MC, Billie M. "Caffeine and Cardiac Arrhythmias. An Experimental Study in Dogs with Review of Literature." Acta Cardiol 52, no. 3 (1997): 273-83, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9217918.
46. Dobmeyer DJ, Stine RA, Leier CV, Greenberg R, Schaal SF. "The Arrhythmogenic Effects of Caffeine in Human Beings." N Engl J Med 308, no. 14 (Apr 7 1983): 814-6. https://dx.doi.org/10.1056/NEJM198304073081405.
47. Shi J, Benowitz NL, Denaro CP, Sheiner LB. "Pharmacokinetic-Pharmacodynamic Modeling of Caffeine: Tolerance to Pressor Effects." Clin Pharmacol Ther 53, no. 1 (Jan 1993): 6-14. https://dx.doi.org/10.1038/clpt.1993.3.
48. Pollock BG, Wylie M, Stack JA, Sorisio DA, Thompson DS, Kirshner MA, et al. "Inhibition of Caffeine Metabolism by Estrogen Replacement Therapy in Postmenopausal Women." J Clin Pharmacol 39, no. 9 (Sep 1999): 936-40. https://dx.doi.org/10.1177/00912709922008560.
49. Giraldez-Costas V, Del Coso J, Manas A, Salinero JJ. "The Long Way to Establish the Ergogenic Effect of Caffeine on Strength Performance: An Overview Review." Nutrients 15, no. 5 (Feb 27 2023). https://dx.doi.org/10.3390/nu15051178.
50. McLellan TM, Caldwell JA, Lieberman HR. "A Review of Caffeine's Effects on Cognitive, Physical and Occupational Performance." Neurosci Biobehav Rev 71 (Dec 2016): 294-312. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.09.001.
51. Park GJ, Katelaris PH, Jones DB, Seow F, Le Couteur DG, Ngu MC. "Validity of the 13c-Caffeine Breath Test as a Noninvasive, Quantitative Test of Liver Function." Hepatology 38, no. 5 (Nov 2003): 1227-36. https://dx.doi.org/10.1053/jhep.2003.50475.
52. Heinz AJ, de Wit H, Lilje TC, Kassel JD. "The Combined Effects of Alcohol, Caffeine, and Expectancies on Subjective Experience, Impulsivity, and Risk-Taking." Exp Clin Psychopharmacol 21, no. 3 (Jun 2013): 222-34. https://dx.doi.org/10.1037/a0032337.
53. Chen Y, Xiao P, Ou-Yang DS, Fan L, Guo D, Wang YN, et al. "Simultaneous Action of the Flavonoid Quercetin on Cytochrome P450 (Cyp) 1a2, Cyp2a6, N-Acetyltransferase and Xanthine Oxidase Activity in Healthy Volunteers." Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 36, no. 8 (Aug 2009): 828-33. https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1440-1681.2009.05158.x.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Marcin Komorowski, Michał Janiszewski, Aleksandra Pelczarska, Rafal Kaczorowski, Tomasz Forenc, Jaromir Hunia, Julia Górny, Jonasz Jurek, Alicja Kapciak
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
The periodical offers access to content in the Open Access system under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0
Stats
Number of views and downloads: 65
Number of citations: 0
