What is the effect of caffeine on exercise performance?

Caffeine is well known for its ergogenic effects, particularly in relation to endurance exercise. It enhances endurance performance primarily through its mechanisms that include increasing the mobilization of fatty acids from adipose tissue and promoting the use of fat as a fuel source during prolonged exercise. This shift toward fat metabolism allows for a sparing of glycogen stores, which can be critical for sustaining performance over long periods.

Additionally, caffeine is known to reduce perceived exertion, which means that athletes often feel that they are working at a lower intensity than they actually are when consuming caffeine. This reduction in perceived effort can lead to improved performance, as individuals may be able to push themselves harder and for longer durations than they could without caffeine.

Overall, the evidence suggests that caffeine not only enhances physical performance in endurance activities but also contributes to a better experience of exertion, allowing athletes to perform at higher intensities with reduced feelings of fatigue. Hence, the statement that caffeine enhances endurance and reduces perceived exertion accurately reflects the comprehensive understanding of caffeine's effects on exercise performance.