The effect of caffeine consumption on anger and performance in martial arts athletes

Document Type : Research Paper I Open Access I Released under (CC BY-NC 4.0) license

Author

Department of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran.

Abstract

Aim: Caffeine supplementation has a consistent ergogenic effect on physical performance and psychological response to exercise. However, few studies have compared the response to caffeine consumption among athletes of different levels of competition. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of caffeine consumption on anger and performance in martial arts athletes.

Method: Twelve athletes (6 female and 6 male) with at least 3 years of martial arts experience, aged 18 to 25 years, were recruited. Athletes consumed 5 mg/kg of caffeine (Enercaff200) or placebo (identical empty capsule) in two sessions over two consecutive weeks in a balanced, double-blind crossover design. One hour after consumption, they completed the State-Trait Anger Expression Questionnaire (Spielberger, 1999; STAXI-2) and then participated in a standardized fight and completed the same questionnaire again immediately after the fight. Pressure perception test, KAST aerobic test, strength test and agility test are also taken from them. The results are analyzed with a paired t-test.

Results: The results show that caffeine significantly increases KAST aerobic test (p=0.019), state anger/feeling anger (SANGF) (p=0.029), state anger/feeling anger tendency to verbalize anger (SANGV) (p=0.032). However, there is no significant difference in other variables.

Conclusion: It seems that caffeine can increase aerobic capacity and anger in martial artists.

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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 26 August 2025
  • Receive Date: 20 May 2025
  • Revise Date: 21 August 2025
  • Accept Date: 26 August 2025
  • First Publish Date: 26 August 2025