LIHAO HAO LI

Mr. LIHAO HAO LI


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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10 June 2026 in Nutrients
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
LLLIHAO HAO LI
LIHAO HAO LI
YPYixaing Peng
Yixaing Peng
BLBaiyu Liu
Baiyu Liu
LDLi Ding
Li Ding
KXKai Xu
Kai Xu
YCYinhang Cao
Yinhang Cao
Background/Objectives: This meta-analysis aimed to quantify the combined ergogenic effects of caffeine (CAF) and carbohydrate (CHO) on high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) performance and to identify potential moderating factors. Methods: Four databases were systematically searched to identify randomized crossover trials assessing CAF combined with CHO (CAF + CHO) on HIIE performance (i.e., exercise time, distance, or total work). A three-level random-effects meta-analysis was performed to calculate pooled Hedge’s g (g) values. Moderator effects were explored through subgroup analyses, including control group (placebo-, CHO-, and CAF-controlled), CHO administration (mouth rinse and ingestion), and training status (recreationally active and trained). Results: Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria (n = 105; 8 female). CAF + CHO significantly enhanced HIIE performance (g = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.23–0.66). Subgroup analyses indicated that CAF + CHO mouth rinsing (g = 0.91, CI: 0.49–1.33) yielded superior effects compared to CAF + CHO ingestion (g = 0.33, CI: 0.14–0.52) (p for subgroup < 0.05). Performance improvements with CAF + CHO were observed for CHO- and placebo-controlled trials, but not in CAF-controlled trials, without significant subgroup effects (p for subgroup > 0.05). Importantly, evidence of publication bias was identified, and the overall certainty of evidence was graded as low according to the GRADE framework. Conclusions: CAF + CHO appears to be effective for enhancing HIIE performance, with greater benefits observed when CHO is administered via mouth rinsing rather than ingestion. Preliminary evidence suggests that CAF may play a key role in CAF + CHO strategies. However, given the limited number of female participants, the generalizability of these findings to both sexes is limited. Additional high-quality trials are needed to establish more definitive recommendations.