Effects of caffeine and carbohydrates separately and together on tennis training performance

Studies have investigated the positive effect of caffeine and carbohydrates on tennis performance; however, the effect of combined use of caffeinated gum (CAFGUM) + carbohydrate gel (CHOGEL) on the performance of tennis players has not been investigated. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the effects of the use of CAFGUM+CHOGEL on the technical, physical and psycho-physiological performances of tennis players during training. 14 male tennis players (15.93±0.83 years old) who participated in national and international tournaments participated in our research. Before a 2-hour workout and at the end of each set, players are given CHOGEL (21.1 g) + CAFGUM (100 mg) or CHOGEL (21.1 g) + Placebo gum (PLA) (PK Gum, Wrigley's, Chicago, USA) or CAFGUM (100 mg) or PLA. During the training, the players' heart rate (HR), ratio of perceived exertion (RPE), countermovement Jump (CMJ), training load and technical strokes, as well as Brunel moods (BRUMS), mental workload (MW) and gastrointestinal assessment scale (GSDS) were applied to the players. According to the results of this study, the CHOGEL+CAFGUM group performed more successful strokes than both the CNT (p= .001) and the PLA group (p= .001) in technical strokes. When the RPE scores were examined, it was observed that the CHOGEL+CAFGUM, CHOGEL+PLA and CAFGUM groups had lower RPE scores. There was no significant difference in both HR and CMJ jump height scores in all groups. A significant difference was observed in the BRUMS scale results only in the CHOGEL+CAFGUM group before training. As a result of the analysis made, there is no difference between the groups in the MW scores of the players. In addition, no side effects on the gastrointestinal system were observed in the supplements used. As a result, the use of CHOGEL+CAFGUM in a 2-hour tennis training can have a significant effect on the ground kicks of the players. In addition, it can positively affect the RPE scores of the players in the training to be made. Therefore, using CHOGEL + CAFGUM combined in the training will have a positive effect on the technical performance of the players in the training.