Purpose This study aimed to investigate the effects of different doses of caffeine intake on intermittent exercise performance and executive function in female basketball players in high-temperature and humidity environments. Methods A single-blinded crossover randomized controlled experimental design was employed in this study. Ten basketball-specific universities volunteered to receive the following four different doses of caffeine to complete an intermittent exercise protocol designed as simulated basketball matches: (1) CON, 9 mg/kg calcium carbonate; (2) CAF3, a mixture of 3 mg/kg caffeine and 6 mg/kg calcium carbonate; (3) CAF6, a mixture of 6 mg/kg caffeine and 3 mg/kg calcium carbonate; and (4) CAF9, 9 mg/kg of caffeine. This experiment was conducted in a laboratory with high temperature and humidity (35 °C, 65% RH). Core temperature (CT) and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured, and the Stroop test was performed during the exercise. Furthermore, blood lactate (B[La]) and countermovement jump (CMJ) were monitored pre-exercise and post-exercise. Results Compared with the CON condition, the CAF6 condition significantly increased peak and mean power during the intermittent exercise (P < 0.05). In the Stroop task, the CAF6 condition significantly reduced both consistent and inconsistent response time (P < 0.05). The CAF6 condition significantly increased CMJ height before intermittent exercise was performed (P < 0.05). The CAF6 and CAF9 conditions significantly increased CT at halftime (P < 0.05). Conclusions A caffeine intake dose of 6 mg/kg significantly improved intermittent exercise performance and executive function in female basketball players in high temperature and humidity environments.
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