Razazan Rouzbeh, Hemmatinafar Mohammad, Imanian Babak, Jahaniboushehri Nima, Rezaei Rasoul, Nazemzadegan Gholamhossein
Shiraz University, Department of Sport Science, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Shiraz, Iran.
J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2025 Dec;22(1):2564238. doi: 10.1080/15502783.2025.2564238. Epub 2025 Sep 22.
Caffeine is a well-known ergogenic aid that can enhance physical and cognitive performance. However, it often induces side effects, such as anxiety and overstimulation, which can be problematic in high-pressure sports like wrestling. L-theanine, a non-stimulant amino acid found in tea, may help mitigate these effects by promoting a calm yet focused mental state. This study aimed to investigate the acute effects of caffeine, L-theanine, and their combination on physical performance, cognitive function, and anxiety in elite male wrestlers.
In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design, 12 elite male wrestlers (21.8 ± 2.1 years) completed four test sessions under randomized conditions: placebo (PLA), caffeine (CAF; 3 mg/kg), L-theanine (THE; 3 mg/kg), and caffeine + L-theanine (CAF+THE; 3 mg/kg each). After 60 minutes, athletes performed the wall-squat test, vertical jump height (VJH), medicine ball throw (MBT), handgrip strength, and the Specific Wrestling Fitness Test (SWFT). Cognitive function was assessed pre- and post-SWFT using a computerized Stroop test. Anxiety was assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and side effects were recorded.
CAF+THE outperformed PLA in wall-squat time ( = 0.001), MBT ( = 0.005), VJH ( = 0.011), and grip strength ( = 0.004). SWFT throw count was highest in CAF+THE versus all other conditions ( < 0.001). Post-SWFT Stroop reaction time was faster in CAF+THE than PLA ( = 0.004) and THE ( = 0.036), and accuracy was also higher ( = 0.009 vs PLA). CAF alone increased state anxiety compared to PLA ( = 0.021), while CAF+THE reduced anxiety to below placebo levels (8% incidence vs 33%). Trait anxiety was lower in CAF+THE compared to CAF ( = 0.018). The prevalence of caffeine-induced tachycardia (92%) was notably reduced under CAF+THE (17%).
CAF+THE (3 mg/kg each) enhances elite wrestlers' strength, endurance, cognitive speed, and accuracy while reducing anxiety and physiological side effects commonly associated with caffeine alone. This combination represents a safe, practical supplement strategy for combat sports athletes who must maintain explosive performance and mental control under stress. Coaches are encouraged to trial CAF+THE protocols during training to personalize timing and dosage.
咖啡因是一种著名的提高运动能力的辅助剂，可增强身体和认知表现。然而，它常常会引发副作用，如焦虑和过度刺激，这在摔跤等高压力运动中可能会成为问题。茶氨酸是一种存在于茶叶中的非刺激性氨基酸，可能通过促进平静而专注的精神状态来减轻这些影响。本研究旨在调查咖啡因、茶氨酸及其组合对精英男性摔跤运动员身体表现、认知功能和焦虑的急性影响。
在一项双盲、安慰剂对照、交叉设计中，12名精英男性摔跤运动员（21.8±2.1岁）在随机条件下完成了四个测试环节：安慰剂（PLA）、咖啡因（CAF；3毫克/千克）、茶氨酸（THE；3毫克/千克）以及咖啡因+茶氨酸（CAF+THE；各3毫克/千克）。60分钟后，运动员进行了靠墙静蹲测试、垂直跳高度（VJH）、药球投掷（MBT）、握力以及特定摔跤体能测试（SWFT）。使用计算机化的斯特鲁普测试在SWFT前后评估认知功能。使用状态-特质焦虑量表（STAI）评估焦虑，并记录副作用。
CAF+THE在靠墙静蹲时间（P = 0.001）、MBT（P = 0.005）、VJH（P = 0.011）和握力（P = 0.004）方面优于PLA。与所有其他条件相比，CAF+THE的SWFT投掷次数最高（P < 0.001）。与PLA（P = 0.004）和THE（P = 0.036）相比，CAF+THE在SWFT后的斯特鲁普反应时间更快，准确性也更高（与PLA相比，P = 0.009）。与PLA相比，单独使用CAF会增加状态焦虑（P = 0.021），而CAF+THE将焦虑降低到安慰剂水平以下（发生率8%对33%）。与CAF相比，CAF+THE中的特质焦虑更低（P = 0.018）。在CAF+THE条件下，咖啡因诱发的心动过速患病率（92%）显著降低（17%）。
CAF+THE（各3毫克/千克）可增强精英摔跤运动员的力量、耐力、认知速度和准确性，同时减少通常与单独使用咖啡因相关的焦虑和生理副作用。这种组合对于必须在压力下保持爆发力和精神控制的格斗运动运动员而言，是一种安全、实用的补充策略。鼓励教练在训练期间试用CAF+THE方案，以实现时间和剂量的个性化。
