As Filippo Carlucci was introducing what we were going to be analyzing in his lab, he mentioned a few of the multiple uses of caffeine, some of which he seemed to be quite knowledgeable about. Although recognizable by others in the group, I had never heard of caffeine being used for sport-enhancement purposes. Although caffeine primarily influences strength endurance, I have heard of a similar technique from back in the states for improving athletic power, supplementing a workout with nitric oxide.
 |
| Nitric Oxide |
 |
| Caffeine |
Caffeine is a widely known stimulant of the
methylxanthine family that is naturally found in over 60 plant species. It also labeled as a psychoactive drug, but
unlike other psychoactive drugs, caffeine is both legal and unregulated in
almost all parts of the world. Over the
years, caffeine use has become widespread, to the point where it is the most inexpensive
and widely available drug in the world.
Many adults consume caffeine daily, mostly for that morning-wake-up
feeling that’s like being hit by a train for anyone not enjoying morning
coffee. For athletes, the story is a
little different.
In sport performance, caffeine can improve the endurance of athletes and enhance concentration.
Filippo mentioned that some athletes consume 12-18 caffeine pills each
containing 50 mg about 2 hours before their competition to obtain the greatest
benefits from the caffeine. For those in
sports such as running and soccer, caffeine increases physical endurance,
allowing athletes to improve their strength and feel less exhausted. It has been tested that for athletes who
require short bursts of energy (such as sprinters and swimmers), taking caffeine
to improve performance has little effect.
For sports requiring the athlete to maintain focus and remain calm (such
as fencing), caffeine stimulates the central nervous system causing heightened
reactions and increased concentration. This
is due to the fact that caffeine can slow substances that stop neuronal
firing. In regard to increased strength,
caffeine can transfer calcium, sodium, and potassium into cells. This transfer increases membrane
permeability, which in turn allows for more powerful muscle contractions.
In America, I have never heard of athletes using
caffeine. I have heard of nitric oxide
though. At a suggestion from a friend, I
almost took nitric oxide once. After
researching a little, I passed, as I was unsure of all the side effects. Nitric oxide (NO), or nitrogen monoxide, is a
free radical that functions in the body’s vascular system. It is produced from the amino acid L-arginine
(the main ingredient in supplements) by the enzyme activity of nitric oxide
synthase in endothelial cells. The
nitric oxide is released into the blood vessels of muscles, causing the vessels
to relax, creating an opportunity for more blood to flow through the muscles giving
the athlete a bigger “pump” feeling.
This enlargement of the blood vessels also provides for quicker
recovery, enhanced muscle gain, greater strength, and more endurance.
Both caffeine and nitric oxide provide ergogenic aid
to athletes who use these methods for sport-performance or muscle gain
enhancements. Caffeine mainly deals with
augmenting athletes for the day of a competition, while nitric oxide provides a
more long-term supplement. For my daily
routine, I prefer not to add large quantities of caffeine to my diet and try to
avoid supplements such as nitric oxide of which I’m not completely convinced of
the side effects.
References:
And Filippo Carlucci’s work
No comments:
Post a Comment