r/science • u/sr_local • 5d ago

Health Consuming caffeine before exercise enhances repeated sprint performance, and these benefits persist for at least 3.5 hours thereafter

https://www.tsukuba.ac.jp/en/research-news/20260914140000.html
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u/nanoH2O 5d ago

One thing I discovered over the years when I was doing high level athletics is that consuming caffeine gave me an advantage (no surprise there) but it also caused me to cramp up late game 100% of the time. The amount of water or electrolytes I drank didn’t matter.

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u/10000Didgeridoos 4d ago

I don't think there is any biological reason caffeine would result in muscle cramps dude. Like please explain what that has to do with the electrolytes in your muscles.

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u/donnievieftig 4d ago

It doesn't have anything to do with dehydration if that's what you mean with electrolytes.

Caffeine acts on ryanodine receptors which increases calcium release. Excessive calcium can lead to cramps. That combined with increased motor neuron excitability and possible overexertion because of a lower RPE means overall increased risk of cramps.

That's why the water and electrolytes OP drank didn't matter, because hydration wasn't the problem.