Caffeinated Gum Softball Performance

Caffeine Clinical Trial

Official title: Effects of Caffeinated Gum on a Batting and Pitching Performance of Female Softball Players: a Crossover Trial

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of caffeinated chewing gum on female softball pitching and hitting performance. 24 trained female softball players (10 pitchers and 14 fielders) were divided into a caffeine chewing gum trial (CAF) or a placebo trial (PLA) in a single-blind, randomized, crossover experimental design. Two pieces of gum containing 100 mg of caffeine (CAF) or without caffeine (PLA) were chewed for 10 minutes and then spit out, followed by a 15-minute warm-up. The physical tests included grip strength and countermovement jump. The softball-specific tests included pitching (fast ball speed) or hitting (exit speed). The two trials were separated by seven days.

Clinical Trial Description

This study utilized a randomized, crossover, single-blind experimental design. At least two familiarization tests were conducted one week before the formal trial to ensure each participant was familiar with the experimental procedures. Before the first formal trial, participants were randomly assigned to either the caffeinated chewing gum trial (CAF) with 200 mg of caffeine or the placebo trial (PLA) without caffeine, seven days apart (Figure 1). The primary outcome was the pitching and hitting performance, and the secondary outcomes were hand grip strength and height of countermovement jump. ;

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Caffeine

• NCT number: NCT06079996
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: National Taiwan Sport University
• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Start date: May 20, 2022
• Completion date: December 20, 2022