Abstract
This study was a descriptive cross-sectional study that assessed the perceptions, knowledge, and use of caffeine by Grand Valley State University athletes that are involved in Track/Field and Swimming/Diving. Questionnaires were distributed and self-administered to 117 athletes (64 in Track/Field and 53 in Swim/Dive between the ages of 18 and 23). Of the swimmers and divers, 54.72% answered that they use caffeine, and only 32.81% of the track and field participants use caffeine according to their responses. A large proportion (80%) of these Grand Valley athletes, perceive that caffeine has a positive effect on speed in short term and concentration or alertness. On the other hand, 75% of the athletes perceive that caffeine has a negative impact on calming nerves. For the most part, the majority of respondents were correct in their responses to amount of caffeine in products. Caffeine content was overestimated in Coke/Pepsi and herbal tea. The most common products used before or during competition included Gatorade, sports waters, Power Bars, multivitamins, instant coffee, orange juice, and Rage.
ScholarWorks Citation
Madsen, Caitlyn, "Grand Valley State University Athletes’ Perception and Knowledge About Caffeine and Its Use in Athletic Performance" (2014). Honors Projects. 358.
https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/honorsprojects/358
