What is the mechanism of action for caffeine in enhancing resistance exercise performance?
Label:chem
Topic
Caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine) is a nutritional ergogenic aid known to improve aerobic and anaerobic performance. This study explores its effects in resistance-trained men.
Answer
Caffeine enhances resistance exercise performance by increasing central nervous system excitability, recruiting more fast-twitch (type II) muscle fibers, and improving motor unit recruitment. This is evidenced by elevated mean frequency (MF) and median frequency (MDF) in prime movers (e.g., vastus medialis, pectoralis major) and increased normalized root mean square (RMS) activity in muscles like the gluteus maximus.
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