High dosages of caffeine directly boost muscle power and stamina during relatively low-intensity activities.

Researchers from the Coventry University think that their discoveries may have implications for the use of caffeine in sport to perk up performance.

Lead researcher Rob James said, "A very high dosage of caffeine, most likely achieved via tablets, powder or concentrated liquid, is feasible and might prove attractive to a number of athletes wishing to improve their performance."

"A small increase in performance via caffeine could mean the difference between a gold medal in the Olympics and an also-ran," Mr. James added.

Caffeine is not currently listed by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) as a banished substance at any concentration in blood or urine samples.

The researchers presented their work at the Society for Experimental Biology Annual Meeting in Prague. (With Inputs from Agencies)