Determi̇ni̇ng the levels of corti̇sol, testosterone, lactic acid and anaerobic performance in athletes using various forms of coffee

Coffee is considered one of the most preferred and consumed beverages worldwide, known for its ergogenic properties due to caffeine, which enhances physical performance. The aim of this study is to determine cortisol, testosterone, lactic acid, and anaerobic performance levels in athletes using different forms of coffee. 15 male collegiate soccer players aged between 17-22 voluntarily participated in the research, consuming different forms of coffee on different days. The study was conducted as a single-blind, counterbalanced, randomized, cross-over design. Participants were given caffeinated coffee, decaffeinated coffee (placebo), powdered caffeine (encapsulated), and powdered placebo (maltodextrin, encapsulated) on different days, followed by a warm-up protocol and then the Wingate test protocol when athletes were ready. The 30-second revised Wingate test, previously used to measure the effects of caffeine intake on sprint performance in male and female athletes, was employed. Blood samples were taken at rest before the application and immediately after the Wingate anaerobic power test in fatigue condition after coffee applications. Anaerobic power values were calculated, and cortisol, testosterone, and lactic acid levels in blood were determined using the ELISA method. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 22.0 software package. As a result, significant improvements in anaerobic power were observed with caffeinated coffee given to exercising participants. Significant decreases in lactic acid were observed in groups other than the placebo and decaffeinated coffee group. The highest cortisol levels were found in the caffeinated coffee and powdered caffeine groups. Regarding testosterone levels, the highest levels were observed in caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee groups. These research findings indicate significant effects of appropriately dosed caffeinated coffee on anaerobic power, lactic acid, cortisol, and testosterone during exercise. The creation of new research areas in ergogenic support and exercise biochemistry, contributing to the scientific literature in sports performance through different approaches and applications, is anticipated.