Caffeine Dose and Duration in Habitual Female Users

This study compares the effects of acute (single-session) and short-term (7-day) consumption of different doses of caffeine (3 and 6 mg/kg) on maximal strength, strength endurance, vertical jump, and medicine ball throw performance in habitual caffeine-consuming women (daily intake of 5 mg/kg). Thirty-six resistance-trained women were randomly assigned to three groups: 3 mg/kg caffeine, 6 mg/kg caffeine, or placebo in a double-blind crossover design. Participants completed both acute (60 min pre-exercise) and short-term (7 consecutive days) protocols. The main findings showed that acute ingestion of 6 mg/kg caffeine impaired peak power in the maximal strength test, while short-term consumption of the same dose improved peak power in the strength-endurance test. The 3 mg/kg dose was ineffective in all conditions. Caffeine did not affect jump or throw performance. The study highlights the need for individualized caffeine guidelines based on timing, dosage, and habituation status.