The primary objective of the current study is to investigate the effect of two probiotic formulations on task-switching following acute stress in healthy, adult action video gamers. It is hypothesized that the participants that consume the probiotic formulations will have improved task-switching performance following acute stress compared to those who consume a placebo.
Participants who are action gamers will be recruited to participate in this randomized, placebo-controlled, 2-arm, parallel trial. Eligible participants will be enrolled in this study for 8 weeks. The study will consist of 2 laboratory visits: Baseline Visit and Post-Treatment Visit.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Enrollment
36
Cognitive and Motor Performance Lab, Dalplex, Kinesiology Suites, Dalhousie University (Rm. 213)
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Change in reaction time
The statistical difference in change in reaction time (in milliseconds) from baseline during a computerized task-switching color-word Stroop task following acute stress between the probiotic and placebo groups.
Time frame: 8 weeks
Change in reaction time: acute stress condition
The statistical difference in changes in reaction time (in milliseconds) on a computerized incongruent CWST between probiotic and placebo groups following acute stress.
Time frame: 8 weeks
Change in accuracy: acute stress condition
The statistical difference in changes in accuracy (proportion correct) on a computerized task-switching CWST and incongruent CWST between probiotic and placebo groups following acute stress.
Time frame: 8 weeks
Change in reaction time: non-stressful condition
The statistical difference in changes in reaction time (in milliseconds) on a computerized task-switching and incongruent CWST and a visual search (VS) paradigm, between probiotic and placebo groups in a non-stressful condition.
Time frame: 8 weeks
Change in accuracy: non-stressful condition
The statistical difference in changes in accuracy (proportion correct; %false alarms) on a computerized task-switching and an incongruent CWST, a go/no-go paradigm, a visual working memory maintenance paradigm, and a visual working memory complex span task (SYMSPAN) between probiotic and placebo groups in a non-stressful condition.
Time frame: 8 weeks
Change in self-reported cognitive control: non-stressful condition
The statistical difference in changes in self-reported cognitive control and cognitive flexibility as per the Cognitive Control and Flexibility Questionnaire (CCFQ) between probiotic and placebo groups in a non-stressful condition.
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Time frame: 8 weeks
Changes in oxyhemoglobin concentrations in pre-frontal cortex
The statistical difference in changes in concentrations of oxygenated hemoglobin in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) during the task-switching CWST from baseline between the probiotic and placebo groups following acute stress and under non-stress conditions.
Time frame: 8 weeks
Changes in cortisol
The statistical difference in changes in the cortisol response to acute stress from baseline, as measured by the area under the curve with respect to increase (AUCi) and with respect to ground (AUCg) between probiotic and placebo groups.
Time frame: 8 weeks
Changes in salivary DHEA-S
The statistical difference in salivary DHEA-S from baseline between the probiotic and placebo groups.
Time frame: 8 weeks
Changes in salivary cortisol/DHEA-S ratio
The statistical difference in the salivary cortisol/DHEA-S ratio from baseline between the probiotic and placebo groups.
Time frame: 8 weeks
Changes in immune activity markers
The statistical difference in changes in salivary levels of proinflammatory cytokines, interleukin-1 beta, and interleukin-6 from baseline between probiotic and placebo groups.
Time frame: 8 weeks
Changes in self-reported levels of depression symptomology
The statistical difference in changes in the depression subscale score of the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale Short Form (DASS-21) from baseline between the probiotic and placebo groups.
Time frame: 8 weeks
Changes in self-reported levels of anxiety symptomology
The statistical difference in changes in the anxiety subscale score of the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale Short Form (DASS-21) from baseline between the probiotic and placebo groups.
Time frame: 8 weeks
Changes in self-reported levels of perceived stress symptomology
The statistical difference in changes in the stress subscale score of the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale Short Form (DASS-21) from baseline between the probiotic and placebo groups.
Time frame: 8 weeks
Changes in self-reported levels of anxiety, depression, and perceived stress symptomology
The statistical difference in changes in the total scale score of the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale Short Form (DASS-21) between the probiotic and placebo groups.
Time frame: 8 weeks
Changes in self-reported sleep quality
The statistical differences in changes in total Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores between the probiotic and placebo groups.
Time frame: 8 weeks