Although we had a small sample, this study suggests a decrease muscle

soreness for the upper body compared to the lower body musculature after

caffeine consumption. We also discovered adverse effects of those who are

caffeine sensitive, mainly a reduction in performance. The promising results

despite not being statistically significant warrant a closer investigation with

a larger sample size.

• The findings to date support the theory that caffeine decreases Delayed Onset

Muscle Soreness (DOMS).

• Athletes can ingest caffeine before exercise to improve their overall

performance without being hampered by severe muscle soreness days after

exercise.

• The significance of this research is that we used a readily available caffeine

supplement as well as tested common lifting techniques rather than isokinetic

exercises. This research was designed to be translational in nature, thus making

it relatable to the average lifter.

• This study noted more muscle soreness found in the lower body than the upper

body, although not statistically significant. More research with a broader

sample size is necessary.

• In future research we plan to utilize the study of Creatinine Kinase in the blood

as well as focusing on more eccentric exercises. By measuring the amount of

Creatinine kinase in the blood we can measure the intensity of the muscle

soreness.

• Sample size of 10 male college aged individuals (18-25 of age).

• Prospective candidates must have been resistance training two days a week for

the past six months.

• The amount of caffeine administered will be 2, 200 mg capsules of caffeine

• The research study totals a span of 9 days for each participant.

• All participants are given either a caffeine pill (ProLab Caffeine) or a placebo

pill (Mega Men Mini Tablets) orally 1 hour before each exercise session

excluding day 1.

• The Borg’s Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale was used to measure

effort level and a 0-10 numeric Pain Scale to measure muscle soreness.

• The RPE scales are taken immediately after each set and the pain scales are

recorded immediately after each exercise session and every day for two days

following the session.

• Each participant is instructed to maintain a food journal and avoid the

consumption of caffeine throughout the study.

• All participants receive a reminder phone call/email (depends on preference) to

fill out the pain scale and nutrition journals.

The goal of this study is to primarily determine if a commercially

available dose (400 mg, 2 pills) is enough caffeine to elicit a reduction in

muscle soreness. Below are secondary questions we hope to answer.

1. Do the caffeine subjects and placebo subjects experience the same level

of muscle soreness 1-3 days after exercise.

2. Is there a difference in post exercise muscle soreness between the

upper and lower body muscles.

3. Are the Ratings of Perceived Exertion (RPE) lower in caffeine subjects

than in placebo subjects.

• Caffeine’s use in aerobic exercise is well documented but the affect of

caffeine on muscle soreness and the perception of pain after resistance

training exercise is not.

• The theory behind caffeine’s effect on muscle soreness suggests that

caffeine blocks the Adenosine receptors in the brain while also exciting

other neurotransmitters, increasing the heart rate and dilating the

blood vessels. Adenosine is a neurotransmitter in the brain and spinal

cord that has specific receptors. When Adenosine binds to these

receptors the body becomes lethargic and slow. Adenosine is also

associated with pain processing. It is hypothesized that when caffeine is

consumed it binds to the Adenosine receptors reducing sluggishness

and pain, thus increasing energy and performance.

The Effect of Caffeine on Delayed Onset Muscle

Soreness (DOMS)Scott Bradley Jr., Renee M. Jeffreys, Matthew D. Cunningham

Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Florida Gulf Coast University, FL

Research Methods

Research Questions

Results and Future Work

Conclusion

Caffeine Pill Placebo Pill

Introduction Data Chart

Pain Scale

This project is funded by an Inter Professional Grant from the College of

Health Professions and Social work under the Exercise is Medicine®

Initiative. #EIM@FGCU

Funding Sources