The Claim
Ingestion of caffeine or sodium bicarbonate does not alter muscle activation or subjective effort during resistance training in young, resistance-trained adults, as indicated by unchanged electromyography and ratings of perceived exertion.
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
Taking caffeine or sodium bicarbonate before resistance training does not change how much muscles activate or how hard the exercise feels to young adults who regularly lift weights.
See the scientific wording
The absence of significant changes in electromyography (EMG) and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) during resistance training after caffeine or sodium bicarbonate ingestion suggests these supplements do not alter muscle activation or subjective effort in young, resistance-trained adults.
Caffeine blocks signals that make the brain feel tired, and sodium bicarbonate neutralizes acid buildup in muscles, but during short, intense weightlifting, neither changes how much the muscles fire or how hard the person feels they are working.
What the research says
1 studyEven though caffeine and baking soda are supposed to help with exercise, this study found that people didn’t feel like they were working harder or using their muscles differently when they took them during weight training.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.