Reported Caffeine Consumption Behaviors, Beliefs, and Perceptions of NCAA Division II College Athletes
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Authors
Lowe, Jocelyn
Issue Date
2020-05
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
Alternative Title
Description/Abstract
Caffeine is a naturally occurring substance that acts as a stimulant, and is consumed frequently in the daily diets of many individuals. Research supports the ergogenic benefits of caffeine during exercise, most effectively during endurance activities. It is important to consider the extent of caffeine and supplement use in modern collegiate athletics because of their effects on performance. The purpose of this study was to examine reported caffeine consumption behaviors, beliefs, and perceptions of NCAA division II college athletes. Two hundred seventy-two NCAA division II student-athletes from various sports completed a survey that inquired about their caffeine consumption and behaviors, and their perceptions of benefits or adverse effects of consuming caffeine. The results revealed that the highest reported weekly frequency of caffeine consumption among the participants was daily (26.5%), and the common reported uses of caffeinated substances was to wake up in the morning (71.9%) and to stay awake (78.6%). Participants also reported believing caffeine could be harmful to their health (69%) and that caffeine was not banned by the NCAA (60%). Future research should pose similar questions to student-athletes at other NCAA institutions and their non-athlete peers to compare reported caffeine consumption and perceptions.