Effects of Caffeine Ingestion on Morning Cognitive and Muscle Strength Measures in Males: A Standardized Approach

Background/Objectives: We investigated whether ingestion of caffeine (~1 h before) was beneficial to subsequent morning (07:30 h), mood, strength and cognitive measures. Methods: Fourteen recreationally active males were recruited and completed six sessions: (i) one repetition maximum (1RM) for bench press and back squat; (ii) two familiarization sessions of strength measures; (iv) three experimental conditions administered in a double-blinded, randomized counterbalanced design order, either caffeine (Caffeine [CAFF], 300 mg or 2.8-4.3 mg/kg body weight), placebo (Placebo [PLAC]) ingested at 06:30 h, or no-pill control (No Pill [NoPill]). For each experimental session, on arrival at the laboratory, rectal and skin temperature were measured as well as a battery of cognitive performance through a battery of tests (trail-making test, Rey's auditory verbal learning test, and Stroop word-colour interference test). Thereafter, maximum voluntary contraction on an isometric chair (MVC) without and with stimulation was conducted, and three repetitions were performed at 40, 60 and 80% of 1RM for bench press and back squat. Average power (AP), average velocity (AV), peak velocity (PV), mean propulsive velocity (MPV), average acceleration (RDV), displacement (D) and time-to-peak velocity (tPV) were recorded using MuscleLab linear encoders. Rating of perceived exertion and effort was asked after each set (RPE). The data was analysed using a general linear model with repeated measures. Results: MVC peak-force values with and without stimulation showed a significant increase in the CAFF condition compared to values for NoPill and with stimulation PLAC conditions (stim: Δ9.0 and 8.7%; no stim: 8.3%; p 2p = 0.33 and 0.42). Greater muscle % activation was achieved for the CAFF than the other conditions (~6%, p ≤ 0.042; η2p = 0.33). In the non-stimulated MVC, RPE was perceived as easier (4.8%, p = 0.04). AV and MPV values were higher in both bench press (Δ3.3 and 4.6%) and back squat (Δ7.7 and 9.2%) in CAFF than the PLAC condition (p = 0.031; η2p = 0.24 and 0.23 and 0.24 and 0.32). CAFF improved auditory total recall compared to NoPill (9.5%, p = 0.040; η2p = 0.22). Conclusions: Early morning ingestion of caffeine improved MVC to levels observed by others in the evening, as well as some aspects of bench press, back squat and recall performance. Caffeine ingestion had no effect on core temperature, mood, tiredness, alertness or other measures of cognitive performance.