Influence of coffeeberry extract on soccer specific skill performance during simulated soccer match-play and following fatiguing exercise in academy players

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the effects of acute coffeeberry extract ingestion on soccer-specific technical skill performance, sprint performance, high-intensity running capacity, and subjective perceptions of fatigue, energy, and alertness during a soccer match simulation in academy soccer players. Design: Double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, crossover trial. Methods: Twenty trained male soccer players completed two experimental trials (coffeeberry extract [300 mg] and placebo [flavour and colour matched] beverages), separated by 7–14 days. Each trial, conducted 1 h after ingestion of the test beverages, included a 45-min half soccer match simulation incorporating dribbling, sprinting, and passing tasks, followed 5-min later by a high-intensity running-to-fatigue protocol. Subjective measures (fatigue, mental/physical energy), physiological data (glucose, lactate), technical skills and running outcomes were assessed. Blood samples were analysed for chlorogenic acids and caffeine concentrations. Results: Coffeeberry ingestion resulted in greater maintenance of passing speed (p<0.01) and accuracy (p<0.01) compared to placebo, most evident on short passes. No meaningful significant differences were observed in sprint performance, dribbling or running capacity. Subjective fatigue increased, and energy scores declined, similarly across trials. No difference was observed in blood glucose or lactate responses. No chlorogenic acids or caffeine was detected at quantifiable concentrations in plasma samples post-ingestion. Conclusions: Acute ingestion of coffeeberry extract improved select aspects of soccer skill performance, particularly short-passing speed/accuracy, in academy soccer players. These findings suggest a potential cognitive or neuromuscular mechanism, independent of metabolic effects. Further research is warranted to explore the time course of chlorogenic acid absorption and its potential mechanistic role in skill performance.