22nd Annual Student Research Conference
Taming the Monster: Caffeine and Energy Drinks Use in Student Athletes
Kimberly A. LaTendresse*, Matt H. Pecherski, Julienne S. Jones, and Saraniya K. Sriguganesan
Dr. Janice Clark Young, Faculty Mentor
Caffeine has a highly addictive nature and is one of the most widely used stimulants in society today. Caffeine is routinely used among college student during times of stress to combat fatigue. Some of the most highly stressed college undergraduates are student athletes. Approval to conduct this research project was granted by the institution's IRB committee. This study examined the energy drink behaviors and perceived stress levels of student athletes at a small liberal arts university in the Midwest. A survey was developed and administered to 200 student athletes asking questions about demographics, perceived stress levels, and behaviors regarding energy drink consumption. Stress and behavior data were analyzed using SPSS to examine trends between caffeine consumption and perceived stress levels. The results will allow campus educators to develop appropriate health education programs to raise awareness about the dangers of energy drink consumption for this highly stressed population.
Keywords: Energy Drinks, Caffeine, Student Athletes , Stress, Energy Drink Consumption
Topic(s):Health Science
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 57-2
Location: VH 1320
Time: 3:00