Caffeinated Gum Softball Performance

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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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.

Detailed Description
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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.

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

Conditions
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Caffeine

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: CAFFEINE GUM


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: 1. adult female; 2. at least six years of professional softball training and familiarity with all softball skills; 3. caffeine intake of less than 80 mg daily. Exclusion Criteria: 1. not professionally trained; 2. having a medical condition for which exercise is not recommended, such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, or heart disease; 3. having any musculoskeletal injuries within the last six months or not being able to complete a full trial; 4. having a history of caffeine allergy.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 20 Years
Maximum Age: 30 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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Female

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Crossover Assignment
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: caffeine gum<br>The gum containing 200 mg of caffeine (CAF) were chewed for 10 minutes before test | Other: CAFFEINE GUM<br>* Observing the effect of chewing gum on the performance of female softball players.<br>|
| Placebo Comparator: placebo<br>The gum without caffeine (PLA) were chewed for 10 minutes before test | Other: CAFFEINE GUM<br>* Observing the effect of chewing gum on the performance of female softball players.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| pitching performance | Throw 10 fastballs | 15 min after intervention | 
| batting performance | Hit 15 balls | 15 min after intervention |