Honors Projects

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Caffeine is one of the most widely consumed substances in the world, often used to increase energy and alertness. From morning coffee to pre-workout and energy drinks, caffeine has become a daily staple for students, athletes, and working professionals. In recent years, caffeine consumption has increased significantly, with the energy drink and pre-workout industries rapidly expanding. Research has been conducted on the effects of caffeine; however, there is limited research examining how consumer awareness of caffeine products and their additional active ingredients influence perceived exertion and exercise in young adults. PURPOSE: This study investigated the perceived effect of caffeine on workouts and how aware young adults are of the ingredients in the products they consume. METHODS: 136 young adults, between the ages of 18 and 29 years old, participated in this study. The link to the questionnaire was sent to everyone at Bowling Green State University through a Campus Update, and flyers were posted at the recreation center and the Eppler complex. The survey contained questions about caffeine consumption habits, level of physical activity, perceived effect of caffeine on workouts, and nutritional awareness. Of the 136 individuals who provided consent, 102 responses met eligibility criteria and were included in analysis. RESULTS: Most participants reported that caffeine improved their exercise experience. Among participants who reported using caffeine before workouts, 49 out of 73 (67.1%) participants reported that their workouts felt somewhat easier with caffeine, and 54 out of 72 (75.0%) participants agreed that caffeine allowed them to maintain exercise intensity for longer. Additionally, 62 out of 73 (84.9%) participants agreed that caffeine increased their willingness to push through fatigue. Despite these perceived benefits, ingredient awareness was limited among most participants. Only 12% of participants stated they felt very or extremely knowledgeable about ingredients in caffeinated products, and many participants were unsure about the effects of ingredients such as guarana (84 out of 97) and beta-alanine (73 out of 97). CONCLUSION: Caffeine is perceived by young adults as beneficial for exercise performance and reducing perceived exertion. However, there is limited awareness of other active ingredients commonly included in caffeinated products. These findings highlight the importance of improving consumer awareness regarding ingredient composition and potential physiological effects of caffeinated products.

Department

Exercise Science

Major

Exercise Science

First Advisor

Dr. Amy Morgan

First Advisor Department

Exercise Science

Second Advisor

Dr. Mary-Jon Ludy

Second Advisor Department

Nutrition Sciences

Publication Date

Spring 4-26-2026

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