The Effect of Ephedra and Caffeine on Performance

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The Effect of Ephedra and Caffeine on Maximal Strength and Power in

Resistance-Trained Athletes.

Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research. 22(2):464-470, March

2008.

D ; J Cribb; B Cooke; Alan

Abstract:

Caffeine and ephedrine-related alkaloids recently have been removed

from International Olympic Committee banned substances lists, whereas

ephedrine itself is now permissible at urinary concentrations less

than 10 µg·mL-1.

The changes to the list may contribute to an increased use of

caffeine and ephedra as ergogenic aids by athletes. Consequently, we

sought to investigate the effects of ingesting caffeine © or a

combination of ephedra and caffeine (C + E) on muscular strength and

anaerobic power using a double-blind, crossover design. Forty-five

minutes after ingesting a glucose placebo (P: 300 mg), C (300 mg) or

C + E (300 mg + 60 mg), 9 resistance-trained male participants were

tested for maximal strength by bench press [bP; 1 repetition maximum

(1RM)] and latissimus dorsi pull down (LP; 1RM). Subjects also

performed repeated repetitions at 80% of 1RM on both BP and LP until

exhaustion. After this test, subjects underwent a 30-second Wingate

test to determine peak anaerobic cycling power, mean power, and

fatigue index. Although subjects reported increased alertness and

enhanced mood after supplementation with caffeine and ephedra, there

were no significant differences between any of the treatments in

muscle strength, muscle endurance, or peak anaerobic power.

The results of this study do not support the contention that

supplementation with ephedra or caffeine will enhance either muscle

strength or anaerobic exercise performance.

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Carruthers

Wakefield, UK