Combined effects of low-dose caffeine and warm-up music enhance male athletes' performance in simulated Taekwondo combat: a double-blind, randomized crossover trial

Rationale How caffeine (CAF) intake and warm-up music combination affect male taekwondo athletes' performance during simulated combat is yet unstudied. Objective This study examined the potential synergistic effects of low dose of CAF and warm-up music on subsequent taekwondo combat outcomes. Methods In a double-blinded, randomized, crossover study, 16 male taekwondo athletes performed simulated combats under six conditions: (a) control, (b) CAF without music (CAF + NM), (c) placebo without music (PL + NM), (d) CAF with music (CAF + M), (e) PL with music (PL + M), and (f) no supplement with music (NS + M). After warming-up, athletes rated their felt arousal (FAS). Perceived exertion (RPE), feeling scale (FS), FAS, and physical enjoyment (PACES) were determined after combat while mean (HRmean) and peak (HRpeak) heart rate were determined for each bout. Each combat was analyzed to determine time-motion aspects and technical-tactical skills. Results CAF + M shortened skip and pause times than CAF and music in single-use (p < 0.05), while extend attack time than other conditions (p < 0.001). Additionally, CAF + M increased attacks and defensive actions above that of single treatment conditions (all p < 0.05). Moreover, CAF + M improved FS and FAS post-combat than the other conditions (p < 0.001) and PACES compared to NS + M, PL + NM and PL + M conditions (p < 0.05). Similarly, CAF + M reduced HRmean and HRpeak than the other conditions (p < 0.05). Conclusion Combining low dose of CAF and warm-up music could be an effective strategy to enhance taekwondo combat performance in male athletes.