Caffeine and human performance: from molecular mechanisms to exercise and recovery.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review synthesizing physiological mechanisms and performance evidence without systematic search methodology.
PubMed 42495705 · doi:10.3389/fphys.2026.1871149
What was done
This narrative review synthesizes the molecular mechanisms, exercise and cognitive performance outcomes, and post-exercise recovery applications of dietary caffeine in humans based on existing literature.
What was found
The abstract reports no numerical values, statistical tests, or effect sizes. It describes caffeine's primary ergogenic action at standard dietary doses as central adenosine A1 and A2a receptor antagonism, which lowers perceived effort, fatigue, and pain while increasing arousal. Peripheral effects like lipolysis are secondary drivers, and direct skeletal muscle calcium handling occurs only at supra-physiological levels. Benefits are described as most robust for aerobic endurance, with variable effects in strength, power, and high-intensity intermittent exercise (largely tied to protocols involving fatigue), and reliable improvements in reaction time, vigilance, and accuracy. Preliminary evidence notes potential improvements in post-exercise glycogen resynthesis and muscle perfusion when co-ingested with carbohydrates, balanced against risks of sleep disruption.
Why it matters
It provides an integrated overview connecting central adenosine receptor blockade to endurance, strength, cognition, and post-exercise recovery, emphasizing individualized dosing to manage sleep trade-offs.
Limits
As a narrative review, it lacks systematic search criteria, study quality appraisal, and meta-analytic pooling. The abstract provides no primary sample sizes, exact dosages, or quantitative effect sizes, and recovery-related benefits are described as preliminary.
Cited by
- supports Caffeine exerts its physiological effects by acting on adenosine receptors.