Field Trial of Caffeine on Physical Performance at Altitude: An Attempt to Overcome the Challenge
Abstract
This study was designed to determine if caffeine would enhance the physical performance of soldiers at altitude (Pikes Peak, Colo.). Eight male soldiers from Special Forces (ages 22 to 35 years old) completed two ascents of a 22 km, mountain trail (hiking from 1800 m to 4300 m above sea level) after having resided for 8 and 17 days at the summit (4300 m). Soldiers were asked to refrain from caffeinated foods and beverages for two days prior to each ascent. The composition and timing of the pre-ascent breakfasts were controlled. Ninety minutes after breakfast (one hour prior to ascent) each soldier received either caffeine (4 mg/kg body weight) or placebo in a double-blind, cross-over design. Urine samples were collected prior to each ascent for 1 -methylxanthine determination. Perceived exertion, oxygen saturation, symptomatology, and split times were measured at selected points along the trail. None of the vadables measured differed between placebo and caffeine ascents. The inability to demonstrate an improvement due to caffeine may have been due to unavoidable, confounding factors such as inclement weather on the second ascent, altitude acclimatization between ascents, and/or lack of compliance to a caffeine-free diet, as well as the small sample size.... Caffeine, Ergogenic aid, Physical performance, Altitude, Perceived exertion, Environmental symptomatology, 1- Methylxanthine, Oxygen saturation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA264260
Entities
People
- Carol J. Baker-fulco
- Charles S. Fulco
- Nancy King
- Stephen Muza
- Timothy Lyons
Organizations
- United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine