Effect of caffeine intake on EPOC after resistance training

The purpose of the study was to examine the effect of caffeine (CAF) intake on excess post‐exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) in response to resistance training. Five strength‐trained men (mean ± SE age and mass = 21.1 ± 2.2 yr and 87.8 ± 15.4 kg) who were regular CAF consumers took part in the study. A randomized, double‐blind, crossover design was used. One week apart, CAF (6 mg/kg body weight) or placebo housed in identical capsules was ingested with water 1 h pre‐exercise. Pre‐exercise, subjects sat in a chair for 30 min to assess oxygen uptake (VO 2 ). Subjects completed four sets of bench press, leg press, lat row, and shoulder press to fatigue at 75 – 80 % one‐repetition maximum. After exercise, EPOC was assessed for 75 min. VO 2 was increased (p < 0.05) from pre‐exercise (0.30 ± 0.02 L/min) to 5 min after exercise (0.53 ± 0.04 L/min), and EPOC remained elevated (p < 0.05) after 75 min of rest (0.36 ± 0.03 L/min). CAF increased calorie expenditure before and after exercise, but it failed to reach significance (p > 0.05). There was no effect (p > 0.05) of CAF on VO 2 , VCO 2 , or RER. Compared to placebo, data suggest no effect of a 6 mg/kg dose of CAF on resting VO 2 or EPOC. A larger sample size may be needed to show a significant effect of acute CAF intake on EPOC after rigorous resistance training. This project was funded by a University Professional Development/Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity Grant .