New research in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research examined the effect of caffeine ingestion on sports performance in athletes. Researchers assessed the effects of caffeine on a bench press one rep max (1RM), as well as the mood states pre- and post-movement.
Research subjects were tested and completed significantly more bench press repetitions to failure with the aid of caffeine. The participants measured mood state also indicated scores for vigor, their positive mood states were greater, and fatigue scores were lower with the ingestion of caffeine.
Overall, researchers concluded that caffeine does augment short term athletic performance and can aid in athletic training programs with resistance exercises to failure.
