The effect of energy drinks on anaerobic power between mentally fatigued and non-fatigued states
Location
Hopwood Auditorium
Access Type
Campus Access Only
Presentation Type
Oral presentation
Entry Number
89
Start Date
4-16-2026 2:15 PM
End Date
4-16-2026 2:30 PM
School
School of Medicine and Health Sciences
Department
Exercise Physiology
Keywords
cognitive fatigue, caffeine, energy drinks, anaerobic power, anaerobic performance, Stroop test, vertical jump, ergogenic aid, perceived exertion, young adults
Abstract
Energy drink consumption has increased substantially in recent years, particularly among young adults. This is largely due to claims of enhanced cognitive and physical performance. Cognitive fatigue (CF), a psychobiological state resulting from prolonged mental effort and reducing time to exhaustion. While caffeine is a well established ergogenic aid, its ability to counteract the negative effects of CF on anaerobic power remain unclear. The Purpose of this study is to examine the independent and combined effects of cognitive fatigue and caffeine ingestion on anaerobic performance in recreationally active young adults. Participants aged 18 to 25 will complete four laboratory sessions using a randomized single blind crossover design. Baseline anaerobic performance measures will include handgrip strength, one legged step test, countermovement vertical jump, and reactive strength index. Cognitive fatigue will be induced using a Stroop test. During experimental sessions, participants will consume either a placebo or a caffeinated beverage (200mg) prior to completing the stroop test and anaerobic performance test. It is hypothesized that cognitive fatigue will impair anaerobic performance and increase perceived effort, while caffeine ingestion will attenuate these negative effects. Findings from this study may provide insight into whether caffeine consumption can mitigate performance decrements associated with mental fatigue in real world settings such as athletics and academic environments.
Primary Faculty Mentor(s)
Dr. Sean Collins
Primary Faculty Mentor(s) Department
Exercise Physiology
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The effect of energy drinks on anaerobic power between mentally fatigued and non-fatigued states
Hopwood Auditorium
Energy drink consumption has increased substantially in recent years, particularly among young adults. This is largely due to claims of enhanced cognitive and physical performance. Cognitive fatigue (CF), a psychobiological state resulting from prolonged mental effort and reducing time to exhaustion. While caffeine is a well established ergogenic aid, its ability to counteract the negative effects of CF on anaerobic power remain unclear. The Purpose of this study is to examine the independent and combined effects of cognitive fatigue and caffeine ingestion on anaerobic performance in recreationally active young adults. Participants aged 18 to 25 will complete four laboratory sessions using a randomized single blind crossover design. Baseline anaerobic performance measures will include handgrip strength, one legged step test, countermovement vertical jump, and reactive strength index. Cognitive fatigue will be induced using a Stroop test. During experimental sessions, participants will consume either a placebo or a caffeinated beverage (200mg) prior to completing the stroop test and anaerobic performance test. It is hypothesized that cognitive fatigue will impair anaerobic performance and increase perceived effort, while caffeine ingestion will attenuate these negative effects. Findings from this study may provide insight into whether caffeine consumption can mitigate performance decrements associated with mental fatigue in real world settings such as athletics and academic environments.