1. Effects of a Caffeine-Containing Energy Drink on Simulated Rugby Performance
Alec Del Viscio

2. Purpose
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a caffeine on rugby players' physical performance*
*when compared to a control group taking a placebo.

3. The Numbers 3mg of caffeine / kg of bodyweight 60 minutes prior.
26 elite rugby players form the Division 1 Spanish League.
25 years of age (± 2 years).
Bodyweight of 93kg (±15kg).
180cm tall (± 7cm).
Max heartrate of 191 bpm (± 9bpm).

4. Requirements NO history of CVD/CPD. No strenuous exercise leading up.
NO additional caffeine intake.
NO alcohol.
Normal pre-competition meal 3 hours prior.
5 years in the league.
Trained between 2 hours per day 4-5 days a week.

5. Measurements Two 30 minute Rugby matches were played.
Movement variables (distance / speed) measured via GPS.
Impact & Force measure via accelerometry.
Heartrate via a worn heartrate monitor.

6. Categories Movement zone 1/walking: (0-6 kmh)
zone 2/jogging: (6-12 kmh)
zone 3/cruising: (12-14 kmh)
zone 4/striding: (14-18 kmh)
zone 5/high intensity: (18-20 kmh)
zone 6/sprinting (20+kmh)

7. Categories Impact zone 1/light impact, change of direction: (5-6g)
zone 2/moderate impact, collision, falling: (6-6.5g)
zone 3/tackling: (6.5-7g)
zone 4/heavy impact: (7-8g)
zone 5/very heavy impact: (8-10g)
zone 6/severe impact: (10+g)

8. Results
The experimental group spent more time in the higher-level zones of movement (2, 3, 4) and impact (1, 4, 5).
The caffeinated group on average:
Covered 390 more meters during play than the control (5,139m v 4,749m)
Endured 160g more impact (641m v 481m)
Sprinted 2 more times (12 v 10)
6bpm greater heartrate during play (151bpm v 145bpm)
Lastly produced a 4bpm greater heartrate after play
(189bpm v 185bpm).
In summary, caffeine had given these athletes greater endurance and power, allowing them to run, father, longer, and harder than the control.

9. Conclusion Caffeine = Greater Performance
Optimal amount is 3mg of caffeine per kilogram of body weight
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