The effects of work:rest duration on physiological and perceptual responses during intermittent exercise and performance

Abstract

In this study, we examined the effects of different work:rest durations during 20 min intermittent treadmill running and subsequent performance. Nine males (mean age 25.8 years, s = 6.8; body mass 73.9 kg, s = 8.8; stature 1.75 m, s = 0.05; [Vdot]O_2max 55.5 ml · kg^?1 · min^?1, s = 5.8) undertook repeated sprints at 120% of the speed at which [Vdot]O_2max was attained interspersed with passive recovery. The work:rest ratio was constant (1:1.5) with trials involving either short (6:9 s) or long (24:36 s) work:rest exercise protocols (total exercise time 8 min). Each trial was followed by a performance run to volitional exhaustion at the same running speed. Testing order was randomized and counterbalanced. Heart rate, oxygen consumption, respiratory exchange ratio, and blood glucose were similar between trials (P > 0.05). Blood lactate concentration was greater during the long than the short exercise protocol (P < 0.05), whereas blood pH was lower during the long than the short exercise protocol (7.28, s = 0.11 and 7.30, s = 0.03 at 20 min, respectively; P < 0.05). Perceptions of effort were greater throughout exercise for the long than the short exercise protocol (16.6, s = 1.4 and 15.1, s = 1.6 at 20 min, respectively; P < 0.05) and correlated with blood lactate (r = 0.43) and bicarbonate concentrations (r = ?0.59; P < 0.05). Although blood lactate concentration at 20 min was related to performance time (r = ?0.56; P < 0.05), no differences were observed between trials for time to exhaustion (short exercise protocol: 95.8 s, s = 30.0; long exercise protocol: 92.0 s, s = 37.1) or physiological responses at exhaustion (P > 0.05). Our results demonstrate that 20 min of intermittent exercise involving a long work:rest duration elicits greater metabolic and perceptual strain than intermittent exercise undertaken with a short work:rest duration but does not affect subsequent run time to exhaustion.     

Effects of a carbohydrate and caffeine gel on intermittent sprint performance in recreationally trained males

Abstract

We investigated the effects of ingesting carbohydrate gels with and without caffeine on a ~90-minute, four blocks intermittent sprint test (IST), in 12 recreationally trained male athletes. Using a cross-over design, one 70 ml dose of gel containing either 25 g of carbohydrate with (CHOCAF) or without (CHO) 100 mg of caffeine, or a non-caloric placebo (PL) was ingested on three occasions: one hour before, immediately prior to and during the IST. Blood glucose, rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and fatigue index (FI) were analysed. Glucose showed significantly higher values for both CHOCAF and CHO at the first (p=0.005 and p=0.000, respectively), second (p=0.009 and 0.008, respectively) and third (p=0.003 and 0.001, respectively) blocks when compared with PL, while only CHOCAF was significantly different to PL (p=0.002) at the fourth block. CHOCAF showed an improved FI (mean 5.0, s =1.7) compared with CHO (mean 7.6, s =2.6; p=0.006) and PL (mean 7.4, s =2.4; p=0.005), a significantly lower RPE (mean 14.2, s =2) compared with PL (mean 15.3, s =2; p=0.003) and a trend in respect of CHO (mean 14.9, s =2.3; p=0.056) after the third block. In conclusion, ingesting CHOCAF one hour before, prior to and during an IST is effective at transiently reducing fatigue and RPE whilst maintaining higher glucose levels at the final stages of the exercise.     

Caffeine lowers perceptual response and increases power output during high-intensity cycling

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of caffeine ingestion on a ‘preloaded’ protocol that involved cycling for 2?min at a constant rate of 100% maximal power output immediately followed by a 1-min ‘all-out’ effort. Eleven male cyclists completed a ramp test to measure maximal power output. On two other occasions, the participants ingested caffeine (5?mg?·?kg^?1) or placebo in a randomized, double-blind procedure. All tests were conducted on the participants' own bicycles using a Kingcycle? test rig. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE; 6–20 Borg scale) were lower in the caffeine trial by approximately 1 RPE point at 30, 60 and 120?s during the constant rate phase of the preloaded test (P?<0.05). The mean power output during the all-out effort was increased following caffeine ingestion compared with placebo (794±164 vs 750±163?W; P?=?0.05). Blood lactate concentration 4, 5 and 6?min after exercise was also significantly higher by approximately 1?mmol?·?l^?1 in the caffeine trial (P?<0.05). These results suggest that high-intensity cycling performance can be increased following moderate caffeine ingestion and that this improvement may be related to a reduction in RPE and an elevation in blood lactate concentration.     

Analysis of elbow muscle strength parameters in Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners

Upper-body dynamic and isometric maximum strength are essential components for success in Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ). This study was aimed at analysing strength parameters in the elbow flexor and extensor muscles of BJJ practitioners. Participants (n = 28) performed maximum isometric contractions of elbow flexors and extensors to determine peak torque (PT), rate of force development (RFD), and the torque–angle (T–A) relationship at elbow angles of 45°, 60°, 75°, 90°, 105°, and 120°. Additionally, concentric and eccentric PTs were measured at 1.04 rad·s^-1. Student t-test and ANOVA were performed using α = 0.05. Elbow flexors were stronger isometrically (P < 0.001, ES = 1.23) but weaker concentrically (P < 0.05, ES = 0.54) than extensor muscles, possibly because of the extensive grip disputes and pushing of opponents in BJJ. The T–A relationship had an inverted “U”-shape. Torque differences across elbow angles were moderate (ES = 0.62) for the extensor and large (ES = 0.92) for the flexor muscles. Isometric torque was greatest for elbow angles of 105° and 75° and smallest for 45° and 120° for extensor and flexor muscles, respectively. Elbow flexors had a greater RFD than extensors, regardless of elbow angle. The present study provides comprehensive results for elbow muscle strength in BJJ practitioners.     

Application of velocity loss thresholds during free-weight resistance training: Responses and reproducibility of perceptual,metabolic, and neuromuscular outcomes

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to investigate the differences and long-term reliability in perceptual, metabolic, and neuromuscular responses to velocity loss resistance training protocols. Using a repeated, counterbalanced, crossover design, twelve team-sport athletes completed 5-sets of barbell back-squats at a load corresponding to a mean concentric velocity of ~0.70 m·s^?1. On different days, repetitions were performed until a 10%, 20% or 30% velocity loss was attained, with outcome measures collected after each set. Sessions were repeated after four-weeks. There were substantial between-protocol differences in post-set differential ratings of perceived exertion (dRPE, i.e., breathlessness and leg muscles, AU) and blood lactate concentration (B[La], mmol·L^?1), such that 30%>20%>10% by small to large magnitudes. Differences in post-set countermovement jump (CMJ) variables were small for most variables, such that 30%<20%<10%. Standard deviations representing four-week variability of post-set responses to each protocol were: dRPE, 8–11; B[La], 0.8–1.0; CMJ height, 1.6–2.0; CMJ PPO, 1.0–1.8; CMJ PCV, 0.04–0.06; CMJ 100ms-Impulse, 5.7–11.9. Velocity loss thresholds control the magnitude of perceptual, metabolic, and neuromuscular responses to resistance training. For practitioners wanting to reliably prescribe training that can induce a given perceptual, metabolic, or neuromuscular response, it is strongly advised that velocity-based thresholds are implemented.     

Emotional responses during repeated sprint intervals performed on level,downhill and uphill surfaces

The purpose of this study was to test emotional responses during sprint intervals performed on a level, down and up surface. Fifty trained participants performed a maximal effort during a 60-m sprint and 10 repetitions of 60 m running sprints on a level, down and up surface on a 5.9% slope. Running speeds, emotional responses and heart rate were measured. Self-selected speeds were correlated with the rating of perceived exertion, the affective balance, the desire to stop and the resources needed for the task in all conditions whereas the pleasure, the desire to continue and the capacity to realise the task were correlated with speeds only during level and uphill running. Mean values of emotional parameters were significantly different (P < 0.05) during running on a flat surface, downhill and uphill. When the gradient of running surface is changed, the pattern of emotional responses was just translated, i.e. most of the slope between the evolution of emotional parameters and the repetitions were not significantly different whereas Y-intercepts were different.

Consented effort is highly correlated with the resources needed for the task (P < 0.001, r² = 0.72). We propose that the difference in the resources needed for the task between level, downhill and uphill running (F _{2, 1499} = 166.5, P < 0.001, Eta² = 0.18) is the most important key that explains our results.     

Perceptual and cognitive responses during exercise: Relationships with metamotivational state and dominance

Abstract

In this study, we examined ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and attentional focus during exercise in relation to telic and paratelic metamotivational dominance and state. Thirty regular exercisers (11 females, 19 males), of whom 10 were telic dominant (mean Paratelic Dominance Scale score=6.2±2.9), 10 paratelic dominant (mean PDS score=23.8±1.4), and 10 non-dominant (mean PDS score=15.4±0.7) completed two exercise trials. In the first trial, the participants completed a maximal ramped exercise test on a motorized treadmill to determine their gas exchange threshold (the speed at which determined exercise intensity of the subsequent trial). Throughout the second trial (a 30-min treadmill run), the participants reported their metamotivational state, RPE, and attentional focus (associative or dissociative) at 5-min intervals. Heart rate was recorded at 3, 8, 13, 18, 23, and 28 min and expired air was analysed for oxygen consumption (VO₂) between 1–3, 6–8, 11–13, 16–18, 21–23, and 26–28 min. There was no main effect of dominance or dominance×time interaction on any variables (P >0.05). Oxygen consumption did not differ between states but RPE was higher in the telic than paratelic state at 25 and 30 min (t ₂₈=2.87, P <0.05; t _26.77=3.88, P <0.05, respectively). Attentional focus was more associative in the telic than paratelic state at 20, 25, and 30 min (t ₂₈=? 3.73, P <0.05; t ₂₈=? 4.85, P <0.01; t ₂₈=? 5.15, P <0.05, respectively) and heart rate was higher at 23 min in the telic state (t ₂₇=3.40, P <0.05). During the latter stages of exercise, the telic metamotivational state, not dominance, was related to a more associative attentional focus and higher RPE. Our results support the use of reversal theory (Apter, 2001) to understand perceptual and cognitive responses during aerobic exercise, but an experimental design in which state is manipulated is needed to examine the effects of metamotivational dominance and state on perceptual and cognitive responses.     

大运动量训练时自由式摔跤运动员应激激素变化的探讨

观察了大运动量训练期8名自由式摔跤运动员应激激素、焦虑水平及主观强度感的变化。研究过程中,每周安排11次大运动量训练,共进行2次实验,每次3个取样点(运动前、即刻和次日晨)。结果显示,两次取样时期次日晨ACTH水平较运动后即刻明显降低;C水平在第二次取样运动后即刻水平和次日晨水平明显高于运动前的,并且该时期运动后即刻C水平也明显高于第一次取样时期运动后即刻水平;E水平在第二次取样运动后即刻水平明显高于第一次取样运动后即刻的,且次日晨该激素水平也明显高于第一次取样次日晨的;血浆β-END水平在第二次取样运动后即刻水平明显高于运动前,也高于第一次取样运动后即刻,第二次取样次日晨该激素水平均低于运动前和运动后即刻水平,同时低于第一次取样次日晨的;血清NE水平变化与β-END水平变化类似;而RPE等级和焦虑水平在两次测试中呈现出运动后即刻水平高于运动前和次日晨的趋势,但不明显;RPE等级与诸多应激激素之间存在着弱相关关系。这预示着,在运动员身体机能评定工作中欲采用简单易行的显示身体机能的外部指标来表现不易测到的内部变化还需努力。     

Effect of cold water immersion on repeat cycling performance and thermoregulation in the heat

Abstract

To assess the effect of cold water immersion and active recovery on thermoregulation and repeat cycling performance in the heat, ten well-trained male cyclists completed five trials, each separated by one week. Each trial consisted of a 30-min exercise task, one of five 15-min recoveries (intermittent cold water immersion in 10°C, 15°C and 20°C water, continuous cold water immersion in 20°C water or active recovery), followed by 40 min passive recovery, before repeating the 30-min exercise task. Recovery strategy effectiveness was assessed via changes in total work in the second exercise task compared with that in the first. Following active recovery, a mean 4.1% (s = 1.8) less total work (P = 0.00) was completed in the second than in the first exercise task. However, no significant differences in total work were observed between any of the cold water immersion protocols. Core and skin temperature, blood lactate concentration, heart rate, rating of thermal sensation, and rating of perceived exertion were recorded. During both exercise tasks there were no significant differences in blood lactate concentration between interventions; however, following active recovery blood lactate concentration was significantly lower (P < 0.05; 2.0 ± 0.8 mmol · l^?1) compared with all cold water immersion protocols. All cold water immersion protocols were effective in reducing thermal strain and were more effective in maintaining subsequent high-intensity cycling performance than active recovery.     

Effects of compression garments on surface EMG and physiological responses during and after distance running

BackgroundThe few previous studies that focused on the effects of compression garments (CG) on distance running performance have simultaneously measured electromyogram, physiological, and perceptual parameters. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of CG on muscle activation and median frequency during and after distance running, as well as blood-lactate concentration and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) during distance running.MethodsEight healthy male recreational runners were recruited to randomly perform two 40 min treadmill running trials, one with CG, and the other with control garment made of normal cloth. The RPE and the surface electromyography (EMG) of 5 lower extremity muscles including gluteus maximus (GM), rectus femoris (RF), semitendinosus (ST), tibialis anterior (TA), and gastrocnemius (GAS) were measured during the running trial. The blood-lactate levels before and after the running trial were measured.ResultsWearing CG led to significant lower muscle activation (p < 0.05) in the GM (decreased 7.40%–14.31%), RF (decreased 4.39%–4.76%), and ST (decreased 3.42%–7.20%) muscles; moreover, significant higher median frequency (p < 0.05) in the GM (increased 5.57%) and ST (increased 10.58%) muscles. Wearing CG did not alter the RPE values or the blood-lactate levels (p > 0.05).ConclusionWearing CG was associated with significantly lower muscle activation and higher median frequency in the running-related key muscles during distance running. This finding suggested that wearing CG may improve muscle function, which might enhance running performance and prevent muscle fatigue.     

Mood state monitoring of training and recovery in elite kayakers

Abstract

Eleven elite kayakers performed an identical weekly training schedule each week during a 3-week training-camp. The Profile of Mood States (POMS) inventory (“right now” instructions) was completed before and after selected workouts each week to assess both training-induced mood disturbances and the extent of recovery following short and long rest. The ratio of POMS vigour to POMS fatigue scores was used as an “energy index”. Energy index scores were compared with ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) to address the size of the training load. Performance measures were obtained during the first and last week. The results showed that the energy index decreased (p<0.01) throughout the camp and did not return to initial values following either the short (one night) or long rest (two nights and one day). Performance measures and RPE remained unaffected throughout training, as did the POMS depression scores, indicating that the athletes experienced an overreached state but did not develop staleness. Our results suggest that repeated evaluation using POMS fatigue, vigour, and depression scores during periods of intensified training may help prevent athletes from becoming severely overreached and reduce the likelihood of staleness.     

Effect of fatigue on reaction time,response time,performance time,and kick impact in taekwondo roundhouse kick

Reaction time and response time are considered important abilities and can potentially affect combat performance. This study investigated the effect of a specific fatigue protocol on reaction time, response time, performance time, and kick impact. Seven male athletes reported to the laboratory on two different days. During day one, athletes performed a specific progressive taekwondo test, and on day two, a protocol for determining reaction time, response time, performance time, and kick impact before and after a time to exhaustion test at an intensity level corresponding to the maximal kick frequency obtained during the specific progressive taekwondo test. Muscle activation from rectus femoris and kick impact of the preferred limb were assessed. No differences were observed for response time and performance time. However, kick impact decreased (43 ± 27 to 13 ± 10 g, p < 0.01) while reaction time increased (145 ± 51 to 223 ± 133 ms, p < 0.05). Moderate correlation was observed between kick impact and response time (r = 0.565; p < 0.01), and kick impact and performance time (r = 0.494; p < 0.05). Results indicate that coaches and athletes may use taekwondo training programmes on coordination-based exercises leading to improve response time and to reduce fatigue effects in order to improve technique effectiveness and enhance the possibilities of scoring in a competitive situation.     

Intensity,recovery kinetics and well-being indices are not altered during an official FIFA futsal tournament in Oceanian players

Physiological responses (intensity and recovery kinetics) and well-being indices were examined during a 4-day FIFA international tournament. Ten outfield New Caledonian players (age: 25.5 ± 3.8 years; height: 170 ± 7 cm; weight: 70.7 ± 8.6 kg) were assessed during the four matches. Players’ aerobic and anaerobic capacities were measured before the tournament while heart rate (HR), intra-matches recovery and well-being indices (Hooper index) were measured throughout the tournament. HR (168 ± 8 bpm), exercise intensity (83.4 ± 2.3% of HR reserve) and recovery indices were similar throughout the tournament. Well-being indices were largely alike during the tournament while rating of perceived exertion increased throughout the tournament that was not associated with HR or well-being indices. High aerobic and anaerobic capacities were associated with high match intensities and slow recovery indices. In summary, match intensity assessed by HR, recovery kinetics and well-being of Oceanian futsal players were not modified during a 4-day FIFA futsal tournament. Assessment of aerobic and anaerobic capacities may be useful to select players for optimal performance during this type of international tournament.     

Biomechanical differences of arm swing countermovement jumps on sand and rigid surface performed by elite beach volleyball players

The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible arm swing effect on the biomechanical parameters of vertical counter movement jump due to differences of the compliance of the take-off surface. Fifteen elite male beach-volleyball players (26.2 ± 5.9 years; 1.87 ± 0.05 m; 83.4 ± 6.0 kg; mean ± standard deviation, respectively) performed counter movement jumps on sand and on a rigid surface with and without an arm swing. Results showed significant (p < .05) surface effects on the jump height, the ankle joint angle at the lowest height of the body center of mass and the ankle angular velocity. Also, significant arm swing effects were found on jump height, maximum power output, temporal parameters, range of motion and angular velocity of the hip. These findings could be attributed to the instability of the sand, which resulted in reduced peak power output due to the differences of body configuration at the lowest body position and lower limb joints’ range of motion. The combined effect of the backward arm swing and the recoil of the sand that resulted in decreased resistance at ankle plantar flexion should be controlled at the preparation of selected jumping tasks in beach-volleyball.     

The effects of stretching on knee flexor fatigue and perceived exertion

Abstract

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of acute static muscle stretch on hamstring muscle fatigue and perceived exertion between young adult men and women. Twenty volunteers participated in two experimental sessions, in which we assessed maximal-effort isokinetic knee flexor force (90° · s^?1) and the number of sub-maximal (50% maximal) knee flexor repetitions to the point of failure. Immediately before the sub-maximal contractions on one randomly selected session, participants received ten 30-s passive knee flexor muscle stretches. Perceived exertion was sampled with a modified Borg category-ratio scale following each sub-maximal repetition. Each participant's perceived exertion response was estimated every 10% across the sub-maximal repetitions, via linear interpolation and power-function modelling. The men generated significantly greater force than the women during both experimental sessions, while muscle stretching had no significant effect on the number of sub-maximal repetitions. When estimated via power-function modelling, perceived exertion increased at a significantly greater rate following muscle stretch. Perceived exertion was significantly greater for the women following muscle stretch than the men. The findings suggest that the elevation in perceived exertion following knee flexor muscle stretching may be greater in women than men, despite no significant alterations in mechanical measures of muscle fatigue.     

Impact of a Submaximal Warm-Up on Endurance Performance in Highly Trained and Competitive Male Runners

Purpose: The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effects of a submaximal running warm-up on running performance in male endurance athletes (n = 16, M_age = 21 ± 2 years, M_VO2max = 69.3 ± 5.1 mL/kg/min). Method: Endurance performance was determined by a 30-min distance trial after control and submaximal running warm-up conditions in a randomized crossover fashion. The warm-up began with 5 min of quiet sitting, followed by 6 min of submaximal running split into 2-min intervals at speeds corresponding to 45%, 55%, and 65% maximal oxygen consumption (VO₂max). A 2-min walk at 3.2 km/hr concluded the 13-min warm-up protocol. For the control condition, participants sat quietly for 13 min. VO₂ and heart rate (HR) were determined at Minutes 0, 5, and 13 of the pre-exercise protocol in each condition. Results: At the end of 13 min prior to the distance trial, mean VO₂ (warm-up = 14.1 ± 2.2 mL/kg/min vs. control = 5.5 ± 1.7 mL/kg/min) and mean HR (warm-up = 105 ± 11 bpm vs. control = 67 ± 11 bpm) were statistically greater (p < .001) in the warm-up condition compared with the control condition. The distance run did not statistically differ (p = .37) between the warm-up (7.8 ± 0.5 km) and control (7.7 ± 0.6 km) conditions; however, effect size calculation revealed a small effect (d = 0.2) in favor of the warm-up condition. Thus, the warm-up employed may have important and practical implications to determine placing among high-level athletes in close races. Conclusions: These findings suggest a submaximal running warm-up may have a small but critical effect on a 30-min distance trial in competitive endurance athletes. Further, the warm-up elicited increases in physiological variables VO₂ and HR prior to performance; thus, a submaximal specific warm-up should warrant consideration.     

Effects of Altered Stride Lengths on Ratings of Perceived Exertion during Running

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of stride length variations on ratings of perceived exertion (RPEs) in experienced recreational runners. Twenty-eight male college students were randomly divided into equal-sized treatment and control groups. The treatment group performed five 15 min altered stride length runs, each separated by a minimum of 48 hr. The five trials involved running with a freely chosen stride length (FCSL) and a FCSL altered by +14%, +7%, ?14%, and ?7%. The control group was utilized to monitor changes in subjects' RPEs as a result of practice effects developed through repeated bouts of treadmill running. Results revealed that the treatment group's local and general RPEs for the over striding runs (+14%, +7%) were significantly greater (p < .01) than RPEs recorded during the FCSL run. Additionally, there was a marginally significant difference (p < .05) in local RPEs between the FCSL run and the extreme understriding run (?14%). Analysis of variance on the control group's RPE data suggests that neither local nor general RPEs changed significantly in repeated FCSL runs across the six-week testing period. The results of this study suggest that experienced recreational runners perceive differences in exertion accompanying changes in stride length.     

Acute effects of whole-body vibrations on balance,maximal force and perceived exertion: Vertical platform versus oscillating platform

Abstract

To investigate the effects of acute whole body vibration (WBV) intervention on body balance, neuromuscular performance and perceived exertion two types of vibration platforms were compared: vertical platform (VP) and oscillating platform (OP). Forty-four healthy college students (35 men and nine women) were exposed on different days to two types of WBV platforms (VP and OP). Electromyography activity (EMG) of six muscle groups was recorded while standing in squat position on the vibrating platform during five 1-min sets. Balance, maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded immediately after the WBV exposure. The OP protocol induced a significantly higher change in balance than VP protocol, as shown by variations in displacement area of the centre of pressure (+25.5% versus –5.5% for OP and VP, respectively). Moreover, RPE scores were significantly higher during OP than VP (+13.2%; P<0.05). No changes were observed concerning MVIC. WBV exposure induces changes in static body balance, these changes being larger when the vibratory stimulus is provided by an OP in comparison to a VP. Moreover, the perceptual response is higher with the OP. Aspects related to direction of vibration or amplitude could explain this acute effect.     

Effect of creatine plus caffeine supplements on time to exhaustion during an incremental maximum exercise

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of acute caffeine ingestion following short-term creatine supplementation on an incremental cycling to exhaustion task. Twelve active males performed the task under three conditions: baseline condition (BASE, no ergogenic aid), creatine plus caffeine condition (CRE + CAF), and creatine with placebo condition (CRE + PLA). Following the establishment of BASE condition, participants were administered CRE + CAF (0.3 g·kg^?1·day^?1 of creatine for 5 days followed by 6 mg·kg^?1 of caffeine 1 h prior to testing) and CRE + PLA (0.3 g·kg^?1·day^?1 of creatine for 5 days followed by 6 mg·kg^?1 of placebo 1 h prior to testing) in a double-blind, randomized crossover and counterbalancing protocol. No significant differences were observed in relative maximal oxygen consumption ([Vdot]O_2max) (51.7±5.5, 52.8±4.9 and 51.3±5.6 ml·kg^?1·min^?1 for BASE, CRE + CAF and CRE + PLA, respectively; P>0.05) and absolute [Vdot]O_2max (3.6±0.4, 3.7±0.4 and 3.5±0.5 l·min^?1 for BASE, CRE + CAF and CRE + PLA, respectively; P>0.05). Blood samples indicated significantly higher blood lactate and glucose concentrations in the CRE + CAF among those in the BASE or CRE + PLA condition during the test (P<0.05). The time to exhaustion on a cycling ergometer was significantly longer for CRE + CAF (1087.2±123.9 s) compared with BASE (1009.2±86.0 s) or CRE + PLA (1040.3±96.1 s). This study indicated that a single dose of caffeine following short-term creatine supplementation did not hinder the creatine–caffeine interaction. In fact, it lengthened the time to exhaustion during an incremental maximum exercise test. However, this regime might lead to the accumulation of lactate in the blood.