Effect of carbohydrate and caffeine ingestion on badminton performance

PURPOSE: The aim of this investigation was to investigate the effect of ingesting carbohydrate and caffeine solutions on measures that are central to success in badminton. METHODS: Twelve male badminton players performed a badminton serve accuracy test, coincidence anticipation timing (CAT) and a choice reaction time sprint test 60 min before exercise. Participants then consumed 7 ml·kg body mass-1 of either water (PLA), 6.4% carbohydrate solution (CHO), a solution containing a caffeine dose of 4 mg·kg-1 (CAF) or 6.4% carbohydrate and 4 mg·kg-1 caffeine (C+C). All solutions were flavoured with orange-flavoured concentrate. During the 33 min fatigue protocol, participants were provided with an additional 3 ml·kg body mass-1 of solution, which was ingested before the end of the protocol. As soon as the 33 min fatigue protocol was completed, all measures were recorded again. RESULTS: Short serve accuracy was improved following the ingestion of CHO and C+C compared with PLA (P=0.001; ηp2 =0.50). Long serve accuracy was improved following the ingestion of C+C compared with PLA (P