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