ABSTRACT
Caffeine is a phytochemical found in a wide variety of plant species distributed throughout the world, the most notable sources being coffee, tea and cocoa. Chemically caffeine is classified as a methylxanthine closely related to two other naturally occurring methylated xanthines namely, theophylline and theobromine. Caffeine has great appeal as an ergogenic aid with extensive scientific research supporting its performance-enhancing properties over a wide range of sporting activities. Whilst it is accepted that caffeine has marked pharmacological, physiological and performance-enhancing effects there remain some conjecture regarding the exact mechanisms involved. In light of the reputed effects of caffeine on contractile properties of muscle and on central mechanisms such as motivation it would seem extremely feasible that caffeine would have a positive impact upon resistance exercise. Despite several studies examining the ergogenic properties of caffeine on such exercise there appears to be no conclusive evidence to support its use.
