Meeting Abstract
Caffeine is consumed widely for its stimulatory effects. Previous work has shown caffeine affects Ca2+ release in muscle, which increases force production at the level of the muscle tissue and whole limb or body. Increased performance has implications for reducing effects of fatigue, and potentially increasing performance. This study seeks to quantify the effects of caffeine on jump performance in Rhinella marina (n = 5), a toad that relies heavily on muscular mechanisms for propulsion. Using force plate ergometry and high speed video we captured kinematic and kinetic characteristics of toads jumping after injecting them with 0.126 mg of caffeine per kg of body weight, a sham injection, and with no injection. Preliminary results suggest force and velocity at takeoff as well as distance travelled during the jump are greater following the administration of caffeine. Continuing work aims to relate results at the whole animal level with changes to muscle contractile properties. This work serves to better quantify how caffeine affects key performance outcomes in muscle driven movements in animals and humans.
