Caffeine For Endurance Recovery

In addition to providing energy and sharpening mental focus, caffeine has been shown to help reduce muscle pain during exercise. What about the delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) that can set in after a really demanding workout? A study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research attempts to find out.
 
Before and for 4 days after competing in a 164 km endurance cycling event, subjects were asked to rate perceived muscle soreness and leg muscle functionality. Before the race and each of the mornings after they consumed 3 mg of caffeine per kg of body weight or a placebo in the form of a pill. Leg functionality was reported as greater with caffeine and muscle soreness was lower compared to the placebo group.