The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of 2 weeks caffeine abstinence as compared to 2 weeks caffeine maintenance (300mg per day)on cognition and mood. Cerebral blood flow effects will also be assessed in a subset of participants. The role of caffeine abstinence/maintenance in the acute effects of caffeine will also be explored.
The current randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel groups study aims to explore the behavioural effects of 2-weeks caffeine abstinence as well as establishing the role of abstinence in the effects of caffeine administration by administering caffeine or placebo to those in a state of chronic and acute abstinence. This research also aims to explore, in a subset of participants, the cerebral blood flow effects of caffeine abstinence and caffeine administration using Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS). Cerebral blood flow will be measured both at rest and during performance of cognitive tasks.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
TRIPLE
Enrollment
110
Inert placebo containing silica powder CAB-O-SIL-M-5Pharma (Pharmaceutical grade)CABOT GmbH. 1 Size 0 capsule 3 times a day for 14 days and 1 size 0 capsule on day 15.
100 mg Caffeine capsules 3 times per day for 14 days and 1 size 0 capsule of inert placebo containing silica powder CAB-O-SIL-M-5Pharma (Pharmaceutical grade)CABOT GmbH on day 15.
Inert placebo capsules containing silica powder CAB-O-SIL-M-5Pharma (Pharmaceutical grade)CABOT GmbH, 1 Size 0 capsule 3 times a day for 14 days and a 100mg caffeine capsule on day 15.
Brain, Performance and Nutrition Research Centre, Northumbria University
Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, United Kingdom
Cognitive performance
Performance is assessed using COMPASS (Computerised Mental Performance Assessment System), which presents a battery of standard cognitive tasks assessing aspects of attention and memory.
Time frame: 2 weeks
Mood
Mood will be evaluated using Visual Analogue Scales administered using COMPASS.
Time frame: 2 weeks
Cerebral haemodynamic
Cerebral blood flow will be measured in a subset of participants using Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS).
Time frame: 2 weeks
Sleep
Quality of sleep will be measured using the Pitsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).
Time frame: 2 weeks
Caffeine withdrawal
Symptoms of caffeine withdrawal will be measured using a Subjective and Somatic State Questionnaire.
Time frame: 2 weeks
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Capsule containing 100 mg caffeine, one 3 times a day for 14 days and then one capsule on day 15.