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

rationaleHow caffeine (CAF) intake and warm-up music combination affect male taekwondo athletes' performance during simulated combat is yet unstudied.

objectiveThis study examined the potential synergistic effects of low dose of CAF and warm-up music on subsequent taekwondo combat outcomes.

methodsIn 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 (HR

resultsCAF + 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 HR

conclusionCombining low dose of CAF and warm-up music could be an effective strategy to enhance taekwondo combat performance in male athletes.