Mitch VanBruggen '08

The effect of caffeine on maximal oxygen consumption and lactate threshold in cross-country runners

Caffeine benefits endurance performance but evidence of its effect on maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) and lactate threshold (LT) is limited.  Individuals can exercise longer and at a higher intensity with improvement in these parameters.  Nine male collegiate cross-country runners were recruited based on their endurance ability and previous racing performances. Caffeine resulted in significant mean increases of 4.2% for VO2max and 3.8% for LT compared to placebo. Therefore, a low dose of caffeine significantly increased subjects' aerobic capacity and anaerobic threshold which could allow a runner to maintain a faster pace for a longer period of time.

Mitch VanBruggen presenting his Honors thesis research at the Northland Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine, March 28, 2008, St. Cloud, MN

 To view Poster, click on link below:
The effect of caffeine on maximal oxygen consumption and lactate threshold in cross-country runners

Research Advisors: Amy Olson, PhD, RDN, LD and Manuel Campos, PhD, Biology