The Effects of Caffeine Intake and Exercise on the Change in Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure of Adolescents
The objective of this experiment was to determine what amount of caffeine and length of exercise resulted in the greatest change in blood pressure of adolescents. It was hypothesized that the highest amount of caffeine and the lowest amount of exercise would result in the greatest change in blood pressure. In order to achieve this, the subjects' blood pressure was measured immediately before consuming a caffeine pill equivalent to one or two five ounce cups of coffee. After waiting an hour, the subject ran either one third, one half, or two thirds of a mile, and their blood pressure was taken immediately afterwards. Similar procedures were utilized for the two control groups in which the subject ingested caffeine without exercise or exercised without ingesting caffeine. The final and initial blood pressure readings were then used to calculate the change in blood pressure.
Two 2-Factor Design of Experiments (DOEs) were performed to determine the interaction effect between caffeine intake and exercise. From this statistical analysis, the combination of the highest level of caffeine and two-thirds of a mile of jogging, the highest amount of exercise, resulted in the greatest change in systolic blood pressure. The combination of the lowest level of caffeine and one-third of a mile of jogging, the lowest amount of exercise, resulted in the greatest change in diastolic blood pressure. The hypothesis was rejected. The combination of 100 mg caffeine and eleven laps around the gymnasium resulted in the lowest change in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Adolescents will become more aware of the risks involved with consuming caffeine prior to physical activity, possibly motivating them to switch to caffeine alternatives.
Research Done By:
Michael Drake
WarrenWoodsTowerHigh School
Cailey Stiteler
CousinoHigh School
Warren Consolidated Schools