The effect of Red Bull energy drink on strength, power, and jump performance in female volleyball players: A randomized cross-over trial.

BackgroundRed Bull (RB) is widely consumed by athletes in an effort to enhance performance through its stimulant content, primarily caffeine and taurine. Although its potential ergogenic effects have been studied, evidence regarding the impact of commercially available servings of RB on short-term anaerobic performance remains inconsistent.AimThis study examined whether acute ingestion of a standard commercially available serving of RB influences anaerobic power, handgrip strength, and jumping ability in female sub-elite volleyball players.MethodsFifteen female sub-elite volleyball players (mean age 21.3 ± 2.4 years) participated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study. Each athlete completed three physical tests (Wingate anaerobic test, jump test, and handgrip strength test) on two occasions, separated by 1 week, after consuming either RB or a placebo designed to mimic its taste and appearance. Participants ingested 250.7 ± 28.2 mL of RB, providing 80.3 ± 9.0 mg of caffeine (1.143 mg·kg-1). Performance testing began 33 min after ingestion. Performance outcomes were compared between conditions using paired t-tests.SummaryNone of the 13 measured performance variables showed statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) between RB and placebo trials. Eight participants reported mild nausea following RB consumption. Under the conditions of this study, consumption of a standard commercially available serving of RB (∼1.143 mg·kg-1 caffeine) did not produce measurable improvements in anaerobic performance, handgrip strength, or jump ability, suggesting that a single serving does not confer meaningful performance benefits for short-duration, high-intensity exercise in female sub-elite volleyball players.