Effects of Caffeine Supplementation on Exercise Performance in Volleyball Players: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Publisher: MDPI Publishing Country of Publication: Switzerland NLM ID: 101521595 Publication Model: Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 2072-6643 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 20726643 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Nutrients Subsets: MEDLINE

Original Publication: Basel, Switzerland : MDPI Publishing

Caffeine*/administration & dosage ; Caffeine*/pharmacology ; Volleyball*/physiology ; Athletic Performance*/physiology ; Dietary Supplements* ; Performance-Enhancing Substances*/administration & dosage ; Performance-Enhancing Substances*/pharmacology; Humans ; Male ; Hand Strength ; Athletes

Background/Objectives: The ergogenic effects of caffeine in team sports, particularly volleyball, have received significant research attention. This study sought to examine the effects of caffeine on both volleyball-specific and general performance outcomes. Methods: This systematic review comprises 11 studies, each utilizing a blinded crossover experimental design. A meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effect model to determine the standardized mean difference (SMD), estimated by Hedges' g, with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Caffeine supplementation improved volleyball-specific outcomes, including attack and serve accuracy (SMD: 0.50; 95% CI: 0.11-0.90; p = 0.01). Regarding nonspecific outcomes, caffeine increased single-jump performance (SMD: 0.23; 95% CI: 0.02-0.44; p = 0.03), repeated-jump performance (SMD: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.05-0.96; p = 0.03), and handgrip strength (SMD: 0.23; 95% CI: 0.03-0.42; p = 0.02), while decreasing agility test completion time (SMD: -0.32; 95% CI: -0.60-0.03; p = 0.03). Furthermore, caffeine increased the frequency of positive game actions during simulated volleyball matches (SMD: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.26-1.43; p < 0.01). Conclusions: Caffeine supplementation enhances physical performance and volleyball-specific actions during competition, supporting its role as an effective ergogenic aid for volleyball players.

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11DZ2261100 Shanghai Key Laboratory of Human Performance at Shanghai University of Sport

Keywords: ergogenic aid; physical performance; sports performance; team sports

3G6A5W338E (Caffeine)
0 (Performance-Enhancing Substances)

Date Created: 20250528 Date Completed: 20250528 Latest Revision: 20250531

20250531

PMC12113779

10.3390/nu17101709

40431449