Theacrine as a novel ergogenic aid: impact on canoe sprint performance.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Caffeine is a popular ergogenic aid in high-intensity sports, but it can cause side effects like cardiovascular stress and tolerance buildup. Theacrine, a structurally similar purine alkaloid, may offer comparable performance benefits with fewer adverse effects. This study aimed to assess the acute effects of theacrine, caffeine, and their combination on performance and physiological responses in elite canoe sprint athletes.

Methods

Twenty highly trained male canoe sprint athletes participated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial with four conditions: placebo (P), caffeine (K), theacrine (T), and a combination of caffeine and theacrine (KT). Each participant completed a 500-meter time trial and a 30-second Wingate Anaerobic Tes

SUBMITTER: Jovanov P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12667338 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature