| dc.description.abstract | This study aimed to identify through a literature review the mechanisms that underlie the use of caffeine as an ergogenic aid in endurance exercise, as well asthe caffeinemediated thermogenic effects. For this, a search for articles on different online databases was carried out, without anytimerestriction, using the following terms "cafeína", "termogênese", "efeitoergogênico", "exercício", "exercícioaeróbico" and their corresponding terms in English, both in isolation or in combination. The following sources were included in this review: experimental studies conducted in humans and animals, information presented in review articles about the topics and information disclosed in books. The findings described in this literature review indicate caffeine as an effective ergogenic agent during aerobic exercises, especially after the ingestion of doses ranging from3to 6 mg/kg of body weight. These ergogenic effects caused by caffeine are mediated by actions at the central nervous system, muscle and actions favoring the use of lipids as energy substrates. Regarding the thermogenic effects caused by the acute consumption of caffeine, there is evidence indicating that caffeine augments plasma concentrations of norepinephrine, which is related to increased oxidation of free fatty acids and increased metabolic rate both at rest and after the exercise. Thus, the intake of caffeinemay be an important nutritional strategy that helps in weight loss. | |
