Effect of Carbohydrate and Caffeine Ingestion on Badminton Performance

Int J Sports Physiol Perform. 2016 Jan;11(1):108-15. doi: 10.1123/ijspp.2014-0426. Epub 2015 May 26.

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the effect of ingesting carbohydrate and caffeine solutions on measures that are central to success in badminton.

Methods: Twelve male badminton players performed a badminton serve-accuracy test, coincidence-anticipation timing (CAT), and a choice reaction-time sprint test 60 min before exercise. Participants then consumed 7 mL/kg body mass of either water (PLA), 6.4% carbohydrate solution (CHO), a solution containing a caffeine dose of 4 mg/kg, or 6.4% carbohydrate and 4 mg/kg caffeine (C+C). All solutions were flavored with orange-flavored concentrate. During the 33-min fatigue protocol, participants were provided with an additional 3 mL/kg body mass of solution, which was ingested before the end of the protocol. As soon as the 33-min fatigue protocol was completed, all measures were recorded again.

Results: Short-serve accuracy was improved after the ingestion of CHO and C+C compared with PLA (P = .001, η(p)(2) = .50). Long-serve accuracy was improved after the ingestion of C+C compared with PLA (P < .001, η(p)(2) = .53). Absolute error in CAT demonstrated smaller deteriorations after the ingestion of C+C compared with PLA (P < .05; slow, η(p)(2) = .41; fast, η(p)(2) = .31). Choice reaction time improved in all trials with the exception of PLA, which demonstrated a reduction (P < .001, η(p)(2) = .85), although C+C was faster than all trials (P < .001, η(p)(2) = .76).

Conclusion: These findings suggest that the ingestion of a caffeinated carbohydrate solution before and during a badminton match can maintain serve accuracy, anticipation timing, and sprinting actions around the court.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Athletic Performance / physiology*
  • Beverages*
  • Blood Glucose / metabolism
  • Caffeine / administration & dosage*
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Dietary Carbohydrates / administration & dosage*
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Fatigue / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Lactic Acid / blood
  • Male
  • Motor Skills / drug effects
  • Motor Skills / physiology*
  • Performance-Enhancing Substances / administration & dosage*
  • Racquet Sports / physiology*
  • Reaction Time / drug effects
  • Reaction Time / physiology

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Dietary Carbohydrates
  • Performance-Enhancing Substances
  • Lactic Acid
  • Caffeine