Effects of Caffeine Ingestion on Human Standing Balance: A Systematic Review of Placebo-Controlled Trials.

Caffeine ingestion may influence balance control via numerous mechanisms. Although previously investigated using various study designs and methods, here we aimed to create the first evidence-based consensus regarding the effects of caffeine on the control of upright stance via systematic review (PROSPERO registration CRD42021226939). Embase, PubMed/MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus and Web of Science databases were searched on 27 January 2021 to identify placebo-controlled trials investigating caffeine-induced changes in human standing balance.

The Determination of Finger-Flexor Critical Force in Rock Climbers.

To determine if the mathematical model used for the estimation of critical force (CF) and the energy store component ' are applicable to intermittent isometric muscle actions of the finger flexors of rock climbers, using a multisession test. As a secondary aim, the agreement of estimates of CF and ' from a single-session test was also determined. The CF was defined as the slope coefficient, and ' was the intercept of the linear relationship between total "isometric work" () and time to exhaustion ().

Characteristics explaining performance in downhill mountain biking.

Purpose: To identify physiological, psychological, and skill characteristics that explain performance in downhill (DH) mountain-bike racing.

Methods: Four studies were used to (1) identify factors potentially contributing to DH performance (using an expert focus group), (2) develop and validate a measure of rider skill (using video analysis and expert judge evaluation), (3) evaluate whether physiological, psychological, and skill variables contribute to performance at a DH competition, and (4) test the specific contribution of aerobic capacity to DH performance.

Results: STUDY 1 identified aerobic capacity, handgrip endurance, anaerobic power, rider skill, and self-confidence as potentially important for DH.