Degree Name
Master of Science in Education
Graduate Program
Kinesiology
Advisor
Becque, Motier D.
Abstract
There are many performance-enhancing supplements on the market. Theacrine (1,3,7,9-tetramethyluric acid) is a new product similar to caffeine. Both are purine alkaloids thought to act as adenosine receptor antagonists. It has been reported to increase subjective energy levels among other beneficial effects, but has not yet been tested on muscular strength and muscular endurance. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study, eleven healthy resistance trained college-aged males received a 200mg dose of theacrine or a placebo. One-repetition max (1RM) and maximal repetition tests were performed after supplementation. A one-way repeated measures analysis of variance was completed between the treatments (placebo, theacrine) to examine mean differences. Means for the placebo (P) versus theacrine (T) treatment for bench press 1RM were reported as 125.6 ± 18.3 kg (P) and 125.2 ± 16.8 kg (T). Means for the leg press 1RM were reported as 419.0 ± 62.6 kg (P) and 425 ± 72.3 kg (T). Means for the bench press endurance were reported as 12.1 ± 2.3 reps (P) and 12.3 ± 2.0 reps (T). Means for the leg press endurance were reported as 14.8 ± 4.1 reps (P) and 15.5 ± 5.3 reps (T). Results indicate that acute supplementation with theacrine did not significantly improve muscular strength or muscular endurance.