Caffeine and Sodium Bicarbonate Supplementation Effects on Resistance Training Performance

February 13, 2026 updated by: David George Behm, Memorial University of Newfoundland

The Effect of Acute Caffeine and Sodium Bicarbonate Supplementation on Upper and Lower Submaximal Resistance Training Performance

This research aims to explore the effects of two supplements, caffeine and sodium bicarbonate, on acute (short-term) resistance training performance. The present study aims to assess the effects of caffeine and sodium bicarbonate supplementation on the number of repetitions, muscle activation, speed of movement, and fatigue during resistance training.

Study Overview

Status

Status

Indicates the current recruitment status or the expanded access status.
Completed

Conditions

Conditions

The disease, disorder, syndrome, illness, or injury that is being studied. On ClinicalTrials.gov, conditions may also include other health-related issues, such as lifespan, quality of life, and health risks.

Intervention / Treatment

Intervention / Treatment

A process or action that is the focus of a clinical study. Interventions include drugs, medical devices, procedures, vaccines, and other products that are either investigational or already available. Interventions can also include noninvasive approaches, such as education or modifying diet and exercise.

Detailed Description

The study will employ a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study design that examines the effect of caffeine and sodium bicarbonate on knee extension and bench press performance. Parameters include peak isoinertial force (1 repetition maximum: 1RM), rate of force development, movement velocity, number of repetitions to failure with a 10 repetition maximum (10RM) load, and electromyography (EMG) activity. The participants will complete three separate visits to the laboratory (1. placebo, 2. caffeine, and 3. sodium bicarbonate ingestion). With respect to the first visit, participants will sign a consent form and complete a health history questionnaire. Their respective anthropometric measurements will be taken, including height, weight, body mass index (BMI). Participants will then be introduced to the rate of perceived exertion scale for use during the trials. Blood lactate (Lactate Pro, Arkray, Kyoto, Japan) levels will be collected and analyzed from the index finger of the tested arm. Researchers will establish the 1RM for the bench press (upper-body) and knee extension (lower-body) exercises. The participants will complete a warm-up set of 8-10 repetitions at 50% of their body mass, followed by a 60-second rest period. The participants will then complete a second warm-up set of 3-5 repetitions with a 5-10 kg increase from the initial set, followed by another 60-second rest interval. the participants will then complete 2-3 repetitions with an additional 5-10 kg increase, followed by a rest for an additional 120 seconds. Each subsequent one-repetition attempt increased an additional 5-10 kg, followed by a 120-second rest period. The final attempt will be determined by repeating the steps illustrated above until the participants can no longer complete a single unassisted repetition with additional weight. This value will then be illustrated as the participant's 1RM and will be utilized to calculate exercise intensity for the two subsequent supplementation trials.

All testing will be performed within the laboratory. Participants are instructed to meet the following conditions 24-h before each experimental trial: (i) to avoid vigorous exercise, (ii) to adopt a similar diet and drink intake, (iii) to refrain from the consumption of alcohol, caffeine, and other stimulants.

Measures

For the knee extension measures, EMG activity will be collected from the mid-belly (midway between the anterior superior iliac spine to the superior edge of the patella) of the vastus lateralis and biceps femoris (midway between the gluteal fold and the popliteal space) of the non-dominant leg. Before participants perform the bench press, surface EMG recording electrodes will be placed approximately 3 cm apart over the proximal, lateral segment of the biceps brachii and over the lateral head of the triceps brachii. The distance of the biceps brachii electrodes from the acromion process and the distance of the triceps electrodes from the biceps electrodes will be recorded to ensure accurate replacement for subsequent tests. A thorough skin preparation for all electrodes will include shaving and removal of dead epithelial cells with abrasive pad around the designated areas, followed by cleansing with an isopropyl alcohol swab. EMG will be collected using a Biopac (Biopac Systems Inc.) data acquisition system at a sample rate of 2,000 Hz [impedance = 2 MΩ, common mode rejection ratio >110 dB min (50/60 Hz), noise >5 μV]. A bandpass filter (10-500 Hz) will be applied prior to digital conversion.

The root mean square (RMS) EMG will be monitored throughout the range of movements for both the bench press and knee extension. The mean RMS EMG will be normalized to the highest pre-test value and reported as a percentage.

A linear position transducer (Chronojump; Boscosystem, Barcelona, Spain) will be attached to the barbell to measure the excursion of the movement, time, and velocity. This device has been previously validated for velocity and power measurements.

Blood lactate levels will be measured with StatStrip Xpress Lactate (SSX) (Nova Biomedical, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA) prior to, during, and after the bench press and knee extension exercises to determine blood-lactate levels of the participants.

The participant's heart rate and rating of perceived exertion will be collected immediately after the completion of each set.

Intervention

During the subsequent three visits, participants will consume the placebo (dextrose), caffeine or sodium bicarbonate. A one week washout period will be allocated between visits. The same quantity will be used during both testing trials to ensure that the supplement is the only variable. The participants will spend 1 hour in a seated resting position after consuming the placebo or supplement. Participants will then utilize the same warm-up as the first visit, 8-10 repetitions at 50% of their body mass.

Testing Procedure

Using a 10RM load, participants will be instructed to complete as many repetitions as possible for each set (6 sets for each exercise) until they can no longer complete a repetition without assistance. Researchers will then record the number of repetitions participants complete during each set. The participant will then undergo a 60-second rest period between each set. After the participant completes the first exercise (e.g., six bench press or knee extension sets), they will undergo a 120-second rest period before beginning the same procedure on the next exercise (i.e., bench press or isoinertial knee extension resistance device). The order of bench press and knee extension exercises will be randomized.

Study Type

Study Type

Describes the nature of a clinical study. Study types include interventional studies (also called clinical trials), observational studies (including patient registries), and expanded access.
Interventional

Enrollment (Actual)

Enrollment

The number of participants in a clinical study. The "anticipated" enrollment is the target number of participants that the researchers need for the study.
12

Phase

Phase

The stage of a clinical trial studying a drug or biological product, based on definitions developed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The phase is based on the study's objective, the number of participants, and other characteristics. There are five phases: Early Phase 1 (formerly listed as Phase 0), Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, and Phase 4. Not Applicable is used to describe trials without FDA-defined phases, including trials of devices or behavioral interventions.
  • Early Phase 1

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Contact

Study Contact

The name and contact information for the person who can answer enrollment questions for a clinical study. Each location where the study is being conducted may also have a specific contact, who may be better able to answer those questions.
  • Name: David G Behm, PhD
  • Phone Number: 709693-8514
  • Email: dbehm@mun.ca

Study Contact Backup

Study Locations

  • Canada
    • Newfoundland and Labrador
      • St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, A1C 5S7
        • Memorial University of Newfoundland

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

The key requirements that people who want to participate in a clinical study must meet or the characteristics they must have. Eligibility criteria consist of both inclusion criteria (which are required for a person to participate in the study) and exclusion criteria (which prevent a person from participating). Types of eligibility criteria include whether a study accepts healthy volunteers, has age or age group requirements, or is limited by sex.

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • apparently healthy, physically active males and females between 18-40 years of age with regular (minimum three times a week) resistance training experience for the last 6 months and regular caffeine intake (at least once a day).

Exclusion Criteria:

  • recent musculoskeletal or musculotendinous injuries

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

  • Primary Purpose: Basic Science
  • Allocation: Randomized
  • Interventional Model: Crossover Assignment
  • Masking: Triple

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm

Participant Group / Arm

A group or subgroup of participants in a clinical trial that receives a specific intervention/treatment, or no intervention, according to the trial's protocol.
Intervention / Treatment

Intervention / Treatment

A process or action that is the focus of a clinical study. Interventions include drugs, medical devices, procedures, vaccines, and other products that are either investigational or already available. Interventions can also include noninvasive approaches, such as education or modifying diet and exercise.
Experimental: Caffeine

Caffeine supplement is consumed at 3 time points (120, 90 and 45 minutes prior to testing) with participants drinking 300mL of a caffeine and water solution at each time for a total consumed volume of 900mL .

Caffeine concentration - 3mg/kg or 0.003g/kg

Each solution has MiO Liquid Water Enhancer to mask the taste.
Dietary supplement: Supplements
Supplements provided to subjects 2 hours prior to testing and drank at 2 hours, 90 minutes and 45 minutes before testing.
Experimental: Sodium bicarbonate

Sodium bicarbonate supplement is consumed at 3 time points (120, 90 and 45 minutes prior to testing) with participants drinking 300mL of sodium bicarbonate solution at each time for a total consumed volume of 900mL.

Sodium bicarbonate concentration - 0.3g/kg (Arm and Hammer brand)

Each solution has MiO Liquid Water Enhancer to mask the taste.
Dietary supplement: Supplements
Supplements provided to subjects 2 hours prior to testing and drank at 2 hours, 90 minutes and 45 minutes before testing.
Sham Comparator: Control
Control solution is MiO + 300mL water at 3 time points (120, 90 and 45 minutes prior to testing) with participants drinking 300mL of control solution at each time for a total consumed volume of 900mL.
Dietary supplement: Supplements
Supplements provided to subjects 2 hours prior to testing and drank at 2 hours, 90 minutes and 45 minutes before testing.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Primary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, the planned outcome measure that is the most important for evaluating the effect of an intervention/treatment. Most clinical studies have one primary outcome measure, but some have more than one.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Bench press repetitions to failure
Time Frame: 45 minutes after last consumption of supplement or control drink solution.Order of bench press vs. knee extension is randomized.

During familiarization participants 12 repetition maximum was calculated. After drinking supplement or control participants perform 6 sets of 12 repetition bench press maximum repetitions to failure.

Outcome measure is the number of repetitions completed in each set of the 6 sets.
45 minutes after last consumption of supplement or control drink solution.Order of bench press vs. knee extension is randomized.
Knee extensions repetitions to failure
Time Frame: 45 minutes after last consumption of supplement or control drink solution. Order of bench press vs. knee extension is randomized.

During familiarization participants 12 repetition maximum was calculated. After drinking supplement or control participants perform 6 sets of 12 knee extension maximum repetitions to failure.

Outcome measure is the number of repetitions completed in each of the 6 sets.
45 minutes after last consumption of supplement or control drink solution. Order of bench press vs. knee extension is randomized.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Secondary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, a planned outcome measure that is not as important as the primary outcome measure for evaluating the effect of an intervention but is still of interest. Most clinical studies have more than one secondary outcome measure.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Blood lactate
Time Frame: Pre- (1 minute prior to ingestion of supplement solution) and post-tests (1 minute after each bout of bench press and knee extensions to failure). Each measure should take 5 seconds.
Blood lactate obtained from index finger. Outcome measure is the millimoles of blood lactate at each testing time.
Pre- (1 minute prior to ingestion of supplement solution) and post-tests (1 minute after each bout of bench press and knee extensions to failure). Each measure should take 5 seconds.
Heart rate
Time Frame: Heart rate (instantaneous feedback by monitor) will be recorded 10 seconds after every bench press and knee extension set in each condition/session (caffeine, sodium bicarbonate and control sessions).
Heart rate detected by heart rate monitor instantaneously Outcome measure is the heart rate reported in beats per minute at each testing time.
Heart rate (instantaneous feedback by monitor) will be recorded 10 seconds after every bench press and knee extension set in each condition/session (caffeine, sodium bicarbonate and control sessions).
Rating of perceived exertion
Time Frame: Recorded 20 seconds (response time = 2 seconds) after every bench press and knee extension set in each condition/session (caffeine, sodium bicarbonate and control sessions).

Adapted Borg scale with scale from 1-10. Reporting should take 2 seconds upon each request by the investigator.

Outcome measure is the participant's reported scale number at each testing time.
Recorded 20 seconds (response time = 2 seconds) after every bench press and knee extension set in each condition/session (caffeine, sodium bicarbonate and control sessions).
Electromyography (EMG) root mean square (Mean amplitude)
Time Frame: During every repetition to failure sets. Each set will take a maximum of 30 seconds. With fatigue from the repetitive 6 sets, the exercise and monitoring time will decrease.
Surface EMG electrodes will be used to monitor muscle activation with every set of resistance training. The mean amplitude of the root mean square (RMS) of the EMG will be measured over the duration of each repetition. Filtering (band pass 5-500 Hz) and amplification (1000X) of the signal will be processed through a BioPac AcqKnowledge software system.
During every repetition to failure sets. Each set will take a maximum of 30 seconds. With fatigue from the repetitive 6 sets, the exercise and monitoring time will decrease.

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Sponsor

The organization or person who initiates the study and who has authority and control over the study.
Memorial University of Newfoundland

Investigators

Investigators

A researcher involved in a clinical study. Related terms include site principal investigator, site sub-investigator, study chair, study director, and study principal investigator.
  • Principal Investigator: David G Behm, PhD, Memorial University of Newfoundland

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Actual)

Study Start

The actual date on which the first participant was enrolled in a clinical study. The "anticipated" study start date is the date that the researchers think will be the study start date.
August 1, 2024

Primary Completion (Actual)

Primary Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention to collect final data for the primary outcome measure. Whether the clinical study ended according to the protocol or was terminated does not affect this date. For clinical studies with more than one primary outcome measure with different completion dates, this term refers to the date on which data collection is completed for all the primary outcome measures. The "anticipated" primary completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the primary completion date for the study.
April 5, 2025

Study Completion (Actual)

Study Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention/treatment to collect final data for the primary outcome measures, secondary outcome measures, and adverse events (that is, the last participant's last visit). The "anticipated" study completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the study completion date.
May 5, 2025

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

First Submitted

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submitted a study record to ClinicalTrials.gov. There is typically a delay of a few days between the first submitted date and the record's availability on ClinicalTrials.gov (the first posted date).
August 1, 2024

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submits a study record that is consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. The sponsor or investigator may need to revise and submit a study record one or more times before NLM's QC review criteria are met. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
November 28, 2024

First Posted (Actual)

First Posted

The date on which the study record was first available on ClinicalTrials.gov after National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review has concluded. There is typically a delay of a few days between the date the study sponsor or investigator submitted the study record and the first posted date.
December 3, 2024

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

Last Update Posted

The most recent date on which changes to a study record were made available on ClinicalTrials.gov. There may be a delay between when the changes were submitted to ClinicalTrials.gov by the study's sponsor or investigator (the last update submitted date) and the last update posted date.
February 17, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator submitted changes to a study record that are consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
February 13, 2026

Last Verified

Last Verified

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator confirmed the information about a clinical study on ClinicalTrials.gov as accurate and current. If a study with a recruitment status of recruiting; not yet recruiting; or active, not recruiting has not been confirmed within the past 2 years, the study's recruitment status is shown as unknown.
February 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Keywords

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

Other Study ID Numbers

Identifiers or ID numbers other than the NCT number that are assigned to a clinical study by the study's sponsor, funders, or others. These numbers may include unique identifiers from other trial registries and National Institutes of Health grant numbers.
  • 20241611

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

NO

IPD Plan Description

Individual participant data will be available upon request to the individual. Anonymized data of the group will be available as supplementary material upon submission to a journal.

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

product manufactured in and exported from the U.S.

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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