Caffeine improves endurance in 75-yr-old citizens: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study.

This study investigated the effect of caffeine on physical performance in healthy citizens aged > or =70 yr. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study was conducted in 15 men and 15 women recruited by their general practitioner. Participants abstained from caffeine for 48 h and were randomized to receive one capsule of placebo and then caffeine (6 mg/kg) or caffeine and then placebo with 1 wk in between. One hour after intervention, we measured reaction and movement times, postural stability, walking speed, cycling at 65% of expected maximal heart rate, perceived effort during cycling, maximal isometric arm flexion strength, and endurance. Analysis was by intention to treat, and P < 0.05 was regarded as significant. Caffeine increased cycling endurance by 25% [95% confidence interval (CI): 13-38; P = 0.0001] and isometric arm flexion endurance by 54% (95% CI: 29-83; P = 0.0001). Caffeine also reduced the rating of perceived exertion after 5 min of cycling by 11% (95% CI: 5-17; P = 0.002) and postural stability with eyes open by 25% (95% CI: 2-53; P = 0.03). Caffeine ingestion did not affect muscle strength, walking speed, reaction, and movement times. At the end of the study, 46% of participants correctly identified when they received caffeine and placebo. Caffeine increased exercise endurance in healthy citizens aged > or =70 yr, but the participants' reasons for stopping the test may have varied between subjects, as the cycling test was done at approximately 55% of maximal oxygen consumption. Further studies are required to investigate whether caffeine can be utilized to improve the physical performance of elderly citizens.