Physiological effects of energy drink consumption during exercise on human organ systems and implications for physiotherapy: a scoping review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24054/cbs.v4i4.4672Keywords:
energy drinks, caffeine, physical exercise, physical therapy specialty, organ systemsAbstract
Introduction: Energy drink (ED) consumption in physically active populations has grown steadily, representing a public health phenomenon with complex physiological implications during exercise. The objective of this study was to map the available scientific evidence on the physiological effects of ED consumption during exercise on human organ systems and their implications for physiotherapy assessment and exercise prescription. Method: a scoping review design was adopted following PRISMA-ScR guidelines and the PCC (Population, Concept, Context) framework. The search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, SciELO and Google Scholar from January 2020 to May 2026, with forty-two studies included. Results: EDs produce multisystemic, dose-dependent effects involving the nervous, cardiovascular, metabolic-endocrine, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, genitourinary, hepatic, and psychological systems. Ergogenic effects are primarily explained by caffeine's adenosinergic antagonism, although significant risks are documented including QTc interval prolongation, acute insulin resistance, dehydration, niacin-induced hepatotoxicity, and functional caffeine dependence. Conclusion: ED consumption during exercise modifies cardiovascular, neuromuscular, metabolic, and psychological parameters that physiotherapists use in clinical assessment and exercise prescription; therefore, its inclusion as a routine clinical variable in the comprehensive evaluation of the physically active patient is essential.
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