ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the evidence surrounding the topic of caffeine as an ergogenic aid. Three major mechanisms of action have dominated as possible explanations for the ergogenic potential of caffeine in the enhancement of exercise performance. These three mechanisms involve the mobilization of the intracellular calcium from the sarcoplasmic reticulum of skeletal muscle, the increase of cyclic-3',5'-adenosine monophosphate by the inhibition of phosphodiesterases in muscles and adipocytes, and the competitive antagonism of adenosine receptors, primarily in the central nervous system. The absorption pattern of caffeine throughout the body parallels the distribution of water in the body, leading to its heaviest concentrations in the muscle tissue yet most research suggests no ergogenic effects on strength performance under anaerobic conditions. In vitro and in situ laboratory results have consistently indicated that caffeine may be useful for improving the production of muscular force.
