Author Identifier (ORCID)
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the effects of acute caffeine ingestion on cycling performance through a systematic review and meta-analysis, while also exploring the moderating roles of caffeine dosage, training status, and athlete age. A comprehensive search was conducted across five databases, yielding 20 eligible studies with a total of 226 participants. A three-level mixed-effects model was applied to pool main effects on cycling time trial performance, mean power output, mean heart rate, and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE). Subgroup analyses and meta-regression were performed to examine potential moderators. Caffeine intake significantly reduced cycling completion time (SMD = −0.36, 95% CI: −0.57 to −0.15, p = 0.0017) and increased mean power output (SMD = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.05 to 0.52, p = 0.02), but had no significant effect on heart rate or RPE. Subgroup analysis indicated that a low dose of caffeine (≤3 mg/kg; SMD = −0.42) was more effective in reducing completion time compared with a higher dose (4–6 mg/kg; SMD = −0.34). Meta-regression further revealed a significant moderating effect of age on time trial performance (β = −0.0501; p = 0.02). Taken together, these findings suggest that ingesting caffeine approximately one hour before exercise can effectively enhance cycling performance, with low doses achieving improvements comparable to higher doses.
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of Publication
1-1-2026
Volume
12
Publication Title
Frontiers in Nutrition
Publisher
Frontiers
School
Centre for Human Performance / School of Medical and Health Sciences
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Comments
Wu, J., Xu, K., Yin, M., Ding, X., Wang, T., Zhang, Q., Wu, X., & Xiao, N. (2026). Effect of caffeine ingestion on cycling performance: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Nutrition, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2025.1745472