Effects of time-of-day and caffeine ingestion on mood states, simple reaction time, and short-term maximal performance in elite judoists

The effect of time of day on Special Judo Fitness Test in active judokas: Evaluation in terms of chronotype

The present cross-sectional study aims to examine the effect of time of day on the judo-specific performance in judokas, considering their chronotypes. Twenty-four male judokas participated in the study where the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire was administered, and on it, they were divided into morning-type (MT:12-judokas) and evening-type groups (ET:12-judokas). Afterwards, the Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT) was applied to both groups at three different times (morning: 09:00 h, afternoon: 13:00 h and evening: 17:00 h) with body temperature measured before and after every SJFT performance. As a result, the Group*Test Time interaction significantly affected overall throwing performance during SJFT [F(2,44) = 29.437, p = 0.001, η2p: .572]. Furthermore, a significant time effect was found for the SJFT index [F(2,44) = 5.118, p = 0.010, η2p: .189] and for the Group*Test Time interaction with the mean value of the index [F(2,44) = 24.424, p < 0.001, η2p: .526]. Furthermore, body temperature had a significant time effect [F(2,44) = 301.454, p < 0.001, η2p: .932] and the Group*Test Time interaction [F(2,44) = 5.802, p = 0.006, η2p: .209]. In conclusion, coaches and exercise experts should consider judo athletes' chronotype when planning special training programs to improve judo-specific anaerobic capacity. Furthermore, to minimize the impact of time of day and chronotype on athletes' performance in competitions, it is recommended that MT athletes develop their judo-specific anaerobic capacity in the evening hours, when their performance is lower, while ET athletes should do so in the morning hours when their performance is lower via randori training.

Diurnal Variation of Specific Tests' Performance and Related Psychological Aspects in Young Judo Athletes

Purpose: This study investigated the effects of time-of-day on judo athletes' performances and the associated psychological variables and perceived exertion following judo-specific tests. Methods: Twelve male judo athletes (age: 16 ± 1 years) performed in a randomized and counterbalanced order the special judo fitness test (SJFT), the judo physical fitness test (JPFT), the dynamic and isometric judogi chin-up tests in the morning (8:00 a.m), midday (12:00 p.m), and afternoon (5:00 p.m). Oral temperature and psychological variables [profile of mood state (POMS), Hooper questionnaire, total quality of recovery (TQR)] were assessed before and after the tests, and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and the physical activity enjoyment scale (PACES) were assessed only after the tests. Results: RPE score was higher in the morning compared to the afternoon after the JPFT (d = 0.38, p = .045). PACES after JPFT was higher in the morning compared to midday (d = 0.85, p < .001). The isometric and dynamic performances during chin-up tests were higher in the afternoon compared to the morning (d = 0.38, p = .048 and 0.047, respectively). Also, oral temperature was higher in the afternoon compared to the morning (d = 0.41, p = .050) and the midday (p = .047) for dynamic test, while TQR, well-being indices, and POMS did not differ according to time-of-day (p > .05). Conclusions: These results suggest that dynamic and isometric judo chin-up tests are time-of-day dependent with higher performance recorded in the afternoon than in the morning. However, performances in the JPFT and SJFT were not time-of-day dependent.

Effects of acute caffeine intake on combat sports performance: A systematic review and meta-analysis

The interest in the benefits of caffeine in combat sports has grown exponentially in the last few years, evidenced by the significant rise of post-competition urine caffeine concentration. We conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on the effects of caffeine on different performance variables in combat sports athletes. In total, we included 25 studies. All studies included had blinded, and cross-over experimental designs, and we conducted a risk of bias analysis. For nonspecific outcomes, there was an ergogenic effect of caffeine on vertical jump height (SMD: 0.38; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.71) and reaction time (SMD: -0.98, 95% CI: -1.46,-0.50). For outcomes specific to combat sports, there was an increase in the number of throws with caffeine in the Special Judo Fitness Test (SMD: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.14, 1.09). Caffeine ingestion increased the number of offensive actions during combats (SMD: 0.40; 95% CI: 0.06, 0.74). Caffeine ingestion increased the duration of offensive actions during combat (SMD: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.21, 0.96). Finally, caffeine ingestion increased blood lactate concentration after bout 1 (SMD: 1.35) bout 2 (SMD: 1.43) and bout 3 (SMD: 1.98). Overall, athletes competing in combat sports may consider supplementing with caffeine for an acute increase in exercise performance.

Daily variation in performance measures related to anaerobic power and capacity: A systematic review

Numerous functional measures related to anaerobic performance display daily variation. The diversity of tests and protocols used to assess anaerobic performance related to diurnal effects and the lack of a standardized approach have hindered agreement in the literature. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate and systematically review the evidence relating to time-of-day differences in anaerobic performance measures. The entire content of PubMed (MEDLINE), Scopus, SPORTDiscus® (via EBSCOhost) and Web of Science and multiple electronic libraries were searched. Only experimental research studies conducted in male adult participants aged ≥ 18 yrs before May 2021 were included. Studies assessing tests related to anaerobic capacity or anaerobic power between a minimum of two time-points during the day (morning vs evening) were deemed eligible. The primary search revealed that a total of 55 out of 145 articles were considered eligible and subsequently included. Thirty-nine studies assessed anaerobic power and twenty-five anaerobic capacity using different modes of exercise and test protocols. Forty-eight studies found several of their performance variables to display time-of-day effects, with higher values in the evening than the morning, while seven studies did not find any time-of-day significance in any variables which were assessed. The magnitude of difference is dependent on the modality and the exercise protocol used. Performance measures for anaerobic power found jump tests displayed 2.7 to 12.3% differences, force velocity tests ~8% differences, sprint tests 2.7 to 11.3% differences and 5-m multiple shuttle run tests 3.7 to 13.1% differences in favour of the evening. Performance measures for anaerobic capacity found Wingate test to display 1.8 to 11.7% differences and repeated sprint tests to display 3.4 to 10.2% differences. The only test not to display time-of-day differences was the running based anaerobic sprint test (RAST). Time-of-day variations in anaerobic performance has previously been partially explained by higher core-body and/or muscle temperature and better muscle contractile properties in the afternoon, although recent findings suggest that differences in methodology, motivation/arousal, habitual training times and chronotypes could provide additional explanations. There is a clear demand for a rigorous, standardised approach to be adopted by future investigations which control factors that specifically relate to investigations of time-of-day.

Factors Contributing to Diurnal Variation in Athletic Performance and Methods to Reduce Within-Day Performance Variation: A Systematic Review

ABSTRACT

Kusumoto, H, Ta, C, Brown, SM, and Mulcahey, MK. Factors contributing to diurnal variation in athletic performance and methods to reduce within-day performance variation: A systematic review. J Strength Cond Res 35(12S): S119-S135, 2021-For many individuals, athletic performance (e.g., cycle ergometer output) differs based on the time of day (TOD). This study identified factors contributing to diurnal variation in athletic performance and methods to reduce TOD performance variation. Comprehensive searches of PubMed, Ovid, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Libraries were conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Peer-reviewed publications reporting quantitative, significant diurnal variation (p ≤ 0.05) of athletic performance with explanations for the differences were included. Studies providing effective methods to reduce diurnal variation were also included. Literature reviews, studies involving nonhuman or nonadult subjects, studies that intentionally manipulated sleep duration or quality, and studies deemed to be of poor methodological quality using NIH Quality Assessment Tools were excluded. Forty-nine studies met the inclusion criteria. Body temperature differences (n = 13), electromyographic parameters (n = 10), serum biomarker fluctuations (n = 5), athlete chronotypes (n = 4), and differential oxygen kinetics (n = 3) were investigated as significant determinants of diurnal variation in sports performance. Successful techniques for reducing diurnal athletic performance variability included active or passive warm-up (n = 9), caffeine ingestion (n = 2), and training-testing TOD synchrony (n = 3). Body temperature was the most important contributor to diurnal variation in athletic performance. In addition, extended morning warm-up was the most effective way to reduce performance variation. Recognizing contributors to diurnal variation in athletic performance may facilitate the development of more effective training regimens that allow athletes to achieve consistent performances regardless of TOD.

Acute caffeine supplementation improves jumping, sprinting, and change-of-direction performance in basketball players when ingested in the morning but not evening

This study compared the effects of acute caffeine supplementation (3 mg/kg) administered in the morning and evening on performance-related variables in basketball players. Eleven, national-level, adolescent male basketball players underwent field-based fitness testing on four occasions: morning (10:00) with caffeine ingestion (AM_CAFF), morning (10:00) with placebo ingestion (AM_PLAC), evening (21:00) with caffeine ingestion (PM_CAFF), and evening (21:00) with placebo ingestion (PM_PLAC). Fitness testing included of a countermovement jump without arm swing (CMJ), CMJ with arm swing (CMJAS), squat jump (SJ), Lane Agility Drill (LAD), 20-m linear sprint, and Suicide Run with (SRD) and without dribbling (SR). Data were analysed using two-way repeated measures analyses of variance and paired t-tests, with effect sizes (ES) also determined for all pairwise comparisons. Follow-up t-test comparisons revealed that AM_CAFF produced small-moderate, significant (p<0.001), improvements in CMJ (ES = 0.51), CMJAS (ES = 0.40), SJ (ES = 0.51), and SR (ES = -0.45) compared to AM_PLAC. AM_CAFF also produced a moderate, significantly (p<0.001) faster LAD (ES = -0.61) compared to PM_CAFF. PM_PLAC demonstrated small-moderate, significant (p<0.05) improvements in CMJ (ES = 0.43), CMJAS (ES = 0.48), and 20-m sprint (ES = -0.63) compared to AM_PLAC. In contrast, AM_PLAC resulted in large, significantly (p<0.001), faster SRD (ES = -1.46) and SR (ES = -1.59) compared to PM_PLAC. Given the ergogenic effects of caffeine during basketball-specific fitness tests appear to be influenced by time of ingestion, basketball practitioners should consider administering caffeine only to players in the morning to improve vertical jump, sprinting, and change-of-direction performance, with no beneficial effects observed with caffeine ingestion in the evening.Highlights The effect of caffeine supplementation on basketball-specific performance related variables were mediated by ingestion time in elite, adolescent basketball players.AMCAFF produced small-moderate improvements in vertical jump, change-of-direction, 20-m linear sprint, and repeated-sprint performance compared to AMPLAC while PMCAFF produced trivial differences in each performance-related variable compared to PMPLAC.Comparisons between ingestion times in the placebo condition revealed vertical jump height and 20-m sprint speed were impaired in the morning compared to the evening, but these time-dependent differences were eliminated when caffeine was consumed in the morning.Basketball practitioners should consider administering caffeine only to players in the morning to improve vertical jump, sprinting, and change-of-direction performance, with no beneficial effects observed with caffeine ingestion in the evening.

Effects of Nutritional Supplements on Judo-Related Performance: A Review

The potential ergogenic effect of nutritional supplements depends on their dosage and the type of exercise executed. Aiming at reviewing the research literature regarding sport supplements utilized in judo in order to improve performance, a literature search was performed at the following databases: Dialnet, PubMed, Scielo, Scopus and SportDiscus. A total of 11 articles met the inclusion criteria and were selected. Evidence revised indicates that supplementation with caffeine, β-alanine, sodium bicarbonate, creatine, and β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate has a positive effect on judo-related performance. Moreover, there is evidence suggesting that combining some of these nutritional supplements may produce an additive effect.

Acute Effects of Caffeine Intake on Psychological Responses and High-Intensity Exercise Performance

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of caffeine supplementation on: (i) psychological responses of subjective vitality and mood; (ii) performance through a Wingate test; and (iii) rate of perceived exertion (RPE) reported after a Wingate test.

METHODS

Fifteen male participants (22.60 ± 2.16 years) ingested 6 mg·kg-1 of caffeine or placebo (sucrose) supplementation in two experimental sessions. After 60 min from supplement intake, participants fulfilled two questionnaires, which measured subjective vitality and mood state, respectively. Subsequently, participants' performance was assessed through a Wingate test, which was followed by measurements of RPE at general, muscular, or cardiovascular level.

RESULTS

Caffeine supplementation increased some components of mood, as assessed by profile of mood states (POMS) (tension and vigor dimensions) and subjective vitality profiles, which were followed by a greater maximum power, average power, and lower time needed to reach maximum power during the Wingate test. Moreover, lower RPE, both at muscular and general levels were reported by participants after the Wingate test.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that caffeine supplementation exerts positive effects both in psychological and physical domains in trained subjects.

Caffeine and Exercise Performance: Possible Directions for Definitive Findings

Caffeine is one of the most studied supplements in the world. Studies correlate its use to increased exercise performance in endurance activities, as well as its possible ergogenic effects for both intermittent and strength activities. Recent findings show that caffeine may increase or decrease exercise performance. These antagonist responses may occur even when using the same dosage and for individuals with the same characteristics, making it challenging to explain caffeine's impact and applicability. This review article provides an analytic look at studies involving the use of caffeine for human physical performance, and addresses factors that could influence the ergogenic effects of caffeine on different proposed activities. These factors subdivide into caffeine effects, daily habits, physiological factors, and genetic factors. Each variable has been focused on by discussions to research related to caffeine. A better understanding and control of these variables should be considered in future research into personalized nutritional strategies.

Caffeine and Exercise: What Next?

Caffeine is a widely utilized performance-enhancing supplement used by athletes and non-athletes alike. In recent years, a number of meta-analyses have demonstrated that caffeine's ergogenic effects on exercise performance are well-established and well-replicated, appearing consistent across a broad range of exercise modalities. As such, it is clear that caffeine is an ergogenic aid-but can we further explore the context of this ergogenic aid in order to better inform practice? We propose that future research should aim to better understand the nuances of caffeine use within sport and exercise. Here, we propose a number of areas for exploration within future caffeine research. These include an understanding of the effects of training status, habitual caffeine use, time of day, age, and sex on caffeine ergogenicity, as well as further insight into the modifying effects of genotype. We also propose that a better understanding of the wider, non-direct effects of caffeine on exercise, such as how it modifies sleep, anxiety, and post-exercise recovery, will ensure athletes can maximize the performance benefits of caffeine supplementation during both training and competition. Whilst not exhaustive, we hope that the questions provided within this manuscript will prompt researchers to explore areas with the potential to have a large impact on caffeine use in the future.

Effects of caffeine supplementation on physical performance and mood dimensions in elite and trained-recreational athletes

BACKGROUND

Caffeine supplementation (CAFF) has an established ergogenic effect on physical performance and the psychological response to exercise. However, few studies have compared the response to CAFF intake among athletes of different competition level. This study compares the acute effects of CAFF on anaerobic performance, mood and perceived effort in elite and moderately-trained recreational athletes.

METHODS

Participants for this randomized, controlled, crossover study were 8 elite athletes (in the senior boxing national team) and 10 trained-recreational athletes. Under two experimental conditions, CAFF supplementation (6 mg/kg) or placebo (PLAC), the athletes completed a Wingate test. Subjective exertion during the test was recorded as the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) both at the general level (RPEgeneral) and at the levels muscular (RPEmuscular) and cardiorespiratory (RPEcardio). Before the Wingate test, participants completed the questionnaires Profiles of Moods States (POMS) and Subjective Vitality Scale (SVS).

RESULTS

In response to CAFF intake, improvements were noted in Wpeak (11.22 ± 0.65 vs 10.70 ± 0.84; p = 0.003; [Formula: see text] =0.44), Wavg (8.75 ± 0.55 vs 8.41 0.46; p = 0.001; [Formula: see text] =0.53) and time taken to reach Wpeak (7.56 ± 1.58 vs 9.11 ± 1.53; p <  0.001; [Formula: see text] =0.57) both in the elite and trained-recreational athletes. However, only the elite athletes showed significant increases in tension (+ 325%), vigor (+ 31%) and SVS (+ 28%) scores after the intake of CAFF compared to levels recorded under the condition PLAC (p <  0.05). Similarly, levels of vigor after consuming CAFF were significantly higher in the elite than the trained-recreational athletes (+ 5.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

CAFF supplementation improved anaerobic performance in both the elite and recreational athletes. However, the ergogenic effect of CAFF on several mood dimensions and subjective vitality was greater in the elite athletes.

Caffeine Supplementation Improves Anaerobic Performance and Neuromuscular Efficiency and Fatigue in Olympic-Level Boxers

BACKGROUND

this study examined the effects of caffeine supplementation on anaerobic performance, neuromuscular efficiency and upper and lower extremities fatigue in Olympic-level boxers.

METHODS

Eight male athletes, members of the Spanish National Olympic Team, were enrolled in the study. In a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled, counterbalanced, crossover design, the athletes completed 2 test sessions after the intake of caffeine (6 mg·kg^-1) or placebo. Sessions involved initial measures of lactate, handgrip and countermovement jump (CMJ) performance, followed by a 30-seconds Wingate test, and then final measures of the previous variables. During the sessions, electromiography (EMG) data were recorded on the gluteus maximus, biceps femoris, vastus lateralis, gastrocnemius lateral head and tibialis anterior.

RESULTS

caffeine enhanced peak power (6.27%, p < 0.01; Effect Size (ES) = 1.26), mean power (5.21%; p < 0.01; ES = 1.29) and reduced the time needed to reach peak power (-9.91%, p < 0.01; ES = 0.58) in the Wingate test, improved jump height in the CMJ (+2.4 cm, p < 0.01), and improved neuromuscular efficiency at peak power in the vastus lateralis (ES = 1.01) and gluteus maximus (ES = 0.89), and mean power in the vastus lateralis (ES = 0.95) and tibialis anterior (ES = 0.83).

CONCLUSIONS

in these Olympic-level boxers, caffeine supplementation improved anaerobic performance without affecting EMG activity and fatigue levels in the lower limbs. Further benefits observed were enhanced neuromuscular efficiency in some muscles and improved reaction speed.

Dose-dependent effect of caffeine supplementation on judo-specific performance and training activity: a randomized placebo-controlled crossover trial

Background

Caffeine (CAF) supplementation could have a positive impact on physical performance and sport abilities. Nevertheless, the CAF-induced, dose-dependent influence on discipline-specific performance and combat activity in combat sports have not been sufficiently investigated. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of single ingestion of 3, 6, or 9 mg/kg body weight of CAF and placebo (PLA) on judo-specific performance and sparring combat activities.

Methods

In a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled cross-over design, acute pre-exercise supplementation with CAF (3, 6, or 9 mg/kg body weight) and placebo PLA in 22 male highly-trained judoists was examined. The study protocol involved five separate testing sessions using the Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT) with heart rate monitoring, three judo sparring combats and evaluation of the rate of perceived exertion (RPE) using the Borg scale.

Results

Six and 9 mg/kg CAF improved SJFT performance, while 9 mg/kg increased combat activity. Three mg/kg CAF lacked any apparent positive ergogenic effect. Among athletes, who include CAF-containing products in their habitual diet (consumers), only 9 mg/kg CAF effectively enhanced SJFT performance, while in those who do not consume CAF-containing products at regular basis (non-consumers), the enhancing effect was achieved even at 6 mg/kg.

Conclusions

Regarding combat sports, higher (6–9 mg/kg) than currently recommended CAF dosages (3–6 mg/kg) are apparently more effective in terms of judo-specific performance. However, the ergogenic CAF effect is not only dose-dependent, but it is also related to customary CAF consumption.

Trial registration

Clinical Trials Gov, NCT03822663. Registered 28 January 2019 - Retrospectively registered

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12970-019-0305-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Impact of Caffeine Intake on 800-m Running Performance and Sleep Quality in Trained Runners

Background: Caffeine ingestion improves athletic performance, but impairs sleep quality. We aimed to analyze the effect of caffeine intake on 800-m running performance, sleep quality (SQ), and nocturnal cardiac autonomic activity (CAA) in trained runners. Methods: Fifteen male middle-distance runners participated in the study (aged 23.7 ± 8.2 years). In a randomized and comparative crossover study design, the athletes ingested a placebo (PL) or caffeine supplement (CAF; 6 mg∙kg⁻¹) one hour before an 800-m running time-trial test in the evening. During the night, CAA and SQ were assessed using actigraphy and a sleep questionnaire. A second 800-m running test was performed 24 h after the first. Time, heart rate, rating of perceived exertion, and blood lactate concentration were analyzed for each running test. Results: No significant differences in CAA and performance variables were found between the two conditions. However, CAF impaired sleep efficiency (p = 0.003), actual wake time (p = 0.001), and the number of awakenings (p = 0.005), as measured by actigraphy. Also, CAF impaired the questionnaire variables of SQ (p = 0.005), calm sleep (p = 0.005), ease of falling asleep (p = 0.003), and feeling refreshed after waking (p = 0.006). Conclusion: The supplementation with caffeine (6 mg∙kg⁻¹) did not improve the 800-m running performance, but did impair the SQ of trained runners.

Effects of caffeine ingestion on the diurnal variation of cognitive and repeated high-intensity performances

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of caffeine ingestion on the daily variation of cognitive (i.e., reaction time (RT), attention) and repeated high-intensity exercise performances. Fifteen active males (age: 20 ± 1 years, height: 174.3 ± 4.3 cm, body-mass: 70.8 ± 3.5 kg) performed cognitive and physical tasks under two different circumstances [after a placebo or caffeine ingestion (6 mg/kg of body-mass)] at six different time-of-day (07 h00, 09 h00, 11 h00, 13 h00, 15 h00 and 17 h00) in a randomized double-blind balanced crossover design. During each session, RT, attention and 5-m multiple shuttles run test' performances were recorded. During both the placebo and the caffeine conditions, a significant diurnal variation was found with improvement of cognitive performances recorded at 11 h00 (e.g., RT: 0.37 ± 0.02-s and 0.36 ± 0.02-s for placebo and caffeine respectively) and 17 h00 (e.g., RT: 0.37 ± 0.02-s and 0.35 ± 0.03-s for placebo and caffeine respectively) compared to (i.e., worst performances) 07 h00 (e.g., RT: 0.41 ± 0.02-s and 0.38 ± 0.02-s for placebo and caffeine respectively) and 13 h00 (e.g., RT: 0.41 ± 0.02-s and 0.38 ± 0.02-s for placebo and caffeine respectively) (p < 0.05). For physical performance, improved values were recorded at 17 h00 (e.g., total distance: 730.00 ± 43.92-m and 733.93 ± 43.08-m for placebo and caffeine respectively) compared to 07 h00 (e.g., total distance: 698.14 ± 45.39-m and 709.21 ± 43.78-m for placebo and caffeine respectively) (p < 0.05). Compared to placebo, cognitive (e.g., RT: by 6.4% at 07 h00, 4.1% at 09 h00, 3.4% at 11 h00, 6.0% at 13 h00, 3.8% at 15 h00 and 3.8% at 17 h00) and physical (e.g., total distance: 1.6% at 07 h00, 0.9% at 09 h00, 0.1% at 11 h00 (p > 0.05), 0.5% at 13 h00, 1.0% at 15 h00 and 0.5% at 17 h00) performances increased at all time-of-day (p < 0.05). In conclusion, cognitive and physical performances are time-of-day dependent and caffeine is an effective ergogenic aid to improves both cognitive and physical performances especially at the moment of their lowest values.

Acute caffeine supplementation in combat sports: a systematic review

Caffeine used as a supplement has been shown to improve physical and cognitive performance in several sport modalities due to its effects on the central nervous system. This review assesses the direct effects of caffeine supplementation on performance in combat sports. Using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis) guidelines, relevant studies were identified through the Medline, Scopus and SPORTDiscus databases. Of 1053 search results, only 9 articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Of these, three studies detected no ergogenic effect of caffeine supplementation, while six studies did observe a significant positive effect. Supplementation with 3-6 mg/kg of caffeine was found to increase the glycolytic contribution to energy metabolism during the execution of real or simulated combats, as indicated by elevated blood lactate concentrations. Caffeine intake was also noted to improve levels of strength, power and upper arm muscular endurance. These effects were not paralleled by an increase in the exertion perceived by the athlete.

Why Do You Drink Caffeine? The Development of the Motives for Caffeine Consumption Questionnaire (MCCQ) and Its Relationship with Gender, Age and the Types of Caffeinated Beverages

Caffeine is the most popular psychoactive substance that is consumed worldwide. As motives influence behavior, investigation of the motivational background of caffeine consumption should help provide a better understanding of the popularity of caffeinated products. The present study aimed (i) to explore and operationalize the motives of caffeine consumption and (ii) to reveal possible differences in the motives regarding gender, age and the type of caffeinated products consumed. Motives for caffeine consumption were collected from regular caffeine consumers (N = 26) and were informed by a review of the relevant literature. Following this, a cross-sectional study was conducted on a convenience sample of Hungarian university students and working adults (N = 598). The participants completed the Motives for Caffeine Consumption Questionnaire and the Caffeine Consumption Questionnaire. Six motivational factors were identified: Alertness, Habit, Mood, Social, Taste and Symptom Management. Women had higher scores on Habit, Social, Taste and Symptom Management. Younger participants had higher scores on Alertness than the older group, and the older group had higher scores on Habit and Symptom Management. Five types of caffeine users were identified. Those who consumed (i) coffee, (ii) tea, (iii) energy drinks, (iv) coffee and tea and (v) mixed drinks. Several differences between the five groups were revealed across all motives except for Taste. The present study developed a robust psychometric instrument for assessing caffeine consumption motives. The factors varied in importance in relation to gender, age and caffeine consumption habits.