The effects of TeaCrine® and caffeine on endurance and cognitive performance during a simulated match in high-level soccer players

BackgroundTheacrine (1,3,7,9-tetramethyluric-acid) is a pure alkaloid with a similar structure to caffeine and acts comparably as an adenosine receptor antagonist. Early studies have shown non-habituating effects, including increases in energy and focus in response to Teacrine (R), the compound containing pure theacrine. The purpose of this study was to determine and compare the effects of Teacrine (R) and caffeine on cognitive performance and time-to-exhaustion during a simulated soccer game in high-level male and female athletes.MethodsMale and female soccer players (N=24; M-Age=20.962.05y, M-MaleVO2max=55.313.39mL/O-2/kg, M-FemaleVO2max=50.97 +/- 3.90mL/O-2/kg) completed a 90-min simulated treadmill soccer match over four randomized sessions (TeaCrine (R), caffeine, TeaCrine (R)+caffeine, placebo). Cognitive testing at halftime and end-of-game including simple reaction time (SRT), choice RT (CRT), and cognitive-load RT with distraction questions (COGRT/COGRT(Wrong)) was performed, with a run time-to-exhaustion (TTE) at 85% VO2max following end-of-game cognitive testing. Session times and pre-exercise nutrition were controlled. RM-MANOVAs with univariate follow-ups were conducted and significance was set at P<0.05.ResultsTTE trended towards significance in TeaCrine (R) and TeaCrine (R)+caffeine conditions compared to placebo (P<0.052). A condition main effect (P<0.05) occurred with faster CRT in caffeine and TeaCrine (R)+caffeine compared to placebo. COGRT(Wrong) showed a significant time main effect, with better accuracy at end-of-game compared to halftime (P<0.05). A time x condition interaction in SRT (P<0.05) showed placebo improved from halftime to end-of-game.ConclusionsThe 27-38% improvements in TTE reflect increased performance capacity that may have important implications for overtime scenarios. These findings suggest TeaCrine (R) favorably impacts endurance and the combination with caffeine provides greater benefits on cognitive function than either supplement independently.