The Role Of Caffeine In Enhancing Physical Performance And Reducing Muscular Fatigue In Handball Players

Abstract

This study aims to identify the role of caffeine as a dietary supplement in improving physical performance and reducing muscle fatigue in handball players, under performance demands. The high intensity imposed by the nature of this sport, which relies on repeated high-intensity physical exertion over short periods of time.

Caffeine is one of the most widely used substances in sports, due to its direct effects. On the central nervous system, it inhibits adenosine receptors, leading to a reduction in fatigue and an increase in alertness and concentration. It also contributes to increased secretion. Catecholamines, which promote the use of fat as an energy source and reduce glycogen depletion within muscles, positively impacting endurance and physical performance The study adopted the experimental method on a sample of handball players, who were divided into two groups (experimental and control), where the experimental group took a specific dose of Caffeine was given to the participants before physical exertion, while the control group received no dietary intervention. Physical performance was measured using an endurance test, in addition to measuring lactate concentration as an indicator of muscle fatigue. The results showed statistically significant differences favoring the experimental group, which recorded a decrease in lactate accumulation and an improvement in physical performance. These results indicate The effectiveness of caffeine in improving physical performance and delaying muscle fatigue in handball players.