A meta-analysis on the effects of caffeine ingestion on swimming performance
ISSN: 0034-6659
Article publication date: 14 March 2022
Issue publication date: 15 November 2022
Abstract
Purpose
Caffeine is a popular ergogenic aid, but its effects on swimming performance are not yet fully clear. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of caffeine on swimming performance.
Design/methodology/approach
Crossover placebo-controlled studies that explored the effects of caffeine on swimming performance were included. Six databases were searched to find relevant studies with additional forward and backward citation tracking. The data were pooled in a random-effects meta-analysis.
Findings
Eight studies were included in the review. The main meta-analysis showed a significant ergogenic effect of caffeine ingestion on swimming performance (Cohen’s d: –0.20; 95% confidence interval: −0.32, −0.08; p = 0.0008; –1.7%). In the analysis for short-distance swimming events, caffeine ingestion had a significant ergogenic effect on swimming performance (Cohen’s d: –0.14; 95% confidence interval: –0.27, −0.01; p = 0.03; −1.4%). An ergogenic effect of caffeine was also found in the analysis for moderate-to-long swimming distance events (Cohen’s d: –0.36; 95% confidence interval: −0.67, −0.05; p = 0.02; −2.2%).
Originality/value
The present meta-analysis found that caffeine ingestion decreases the time needed to complete a given swimming event. While these ergogenic effects may be classified as small, they are likely important in swimming, where narrow margins commonly determine placings.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Conflict of interest: No potential conflicts of interest in the development and publication of this article.
Citation
Grgic, J. (2022), "A meta-analysis on the effects of caffeine ingestion on swimming performance", Nutrition & Food Science, Vol. 52 No. 8, pp. 1242-1253. https://doi.org/10.1108/NFS-01-2022-0019
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited