Effects of Caffeine, L-Theanine, and Diaphragmatic Breathing on Esports Players' Performance

Hacettepe University15 enrolled

Overview

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether caffeine, L-theanine (a natural amino acid found in tea), and diaphragmatic breathing exercises can help improve the game performance of esports players. Esports players often need fast reaction times, high accuracy, and mental focus during competitive gaming. This study will look at how caffeine and L-theanine supplements, either separately or together, and breathing exercises impact key performance factors like reaction time and accuracy during gameplay. The goal is to determine if these strategies can help esports players perform better by reducing stress, improving concentration, and speeding up reaction times. The findings could help inform safe, effective methods to enhance cognitive and physical performance in gaming.

This study explores the effects of caffeine, L-theanine supplementation, and diaphragmatic breathing exercises on esports players\' game performance, focusing on reaction time and accuracy. Caffeine is widely recognized for its stimulating effects, improving attention and reducing fatigue, while L-theanine, found in tea, is known to reduce stress and balance the effects of caffeine. Diaphragmatic breathing exercises are designed to lower stress levels, improve focus, and enhance cognitive function. The study utilizes a randomized, single-blind crossover design, where participants-esports players aged 18-30-will undergo three different interventions: caffeine only, caffeine combined with L-theanine, and caffeine combined with diaphragmatic breathing exercises. Performance outcomes, including reaction time and accuracy, will be assessed using game-based software and tests. Participants will have their performance measured before and after each intervention, allowing for comparison between the different strategies. This study aims to determine whether these supplements and exercises, alone or in combination, can serve as effective ergogenic aids, helping esports players optimize their performance by improving cognitive and motor skills, while also reducing stress. These findings could have broader applications for enhancing mental performance in competitive environments.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

BASIC_SCIENCE

Interventions

Intervention 1: Dietary Supplement - Caffeine SupplementDIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Participants in this group will receive a caffeine supplement (3 mg/kg body weight) taken orally 45 minutes before performance testing. No additional interventions will be administered.

Intervention 2: Dietary Supplement - Caffeine + L-Theanine SupplementDIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Participants in this group will receive a caffeine supplement (3 mg/kg body weight) along with L-theanine in a 1:2 ratio taken orally 45 minutes before performance testing.

Intervention 3: Dietary Supplement - Caffeine Supplement + Diaphragmatic Breathing ExercisesBEHAVIORAL

Participants in this group will receive a caffeine supplement (3 mg/kg body weight) 45 minutes before performance testing, followed by a 10-minute session of diaphragmatic breathing exercises.

Eligibility

Sex: MALEMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 30 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Male esports players aged 18-30. * Actively involved in esports for at least 6 hours per week for a minimum of 6 months. * Low caffeine consumption (less than 80 mg per day). * Low L-theanine consumption (less than 100 mg per day). * Non-smokers or those who do not use tobacco products. * No recent history of upper extremity surgery. * No known allergies to caffeine or L-theanine. * No neurological, visual, or auditory disorders. * No use of drugs or performance-enhancing supplements within the past month. * No alcohol consumption within the past week. Exclusion Criteria: * Use of stimulant medications. * History of upper extremity surgery. * Diagnosed neurological, visual, or auditory disorders. * Allergy to caffeine or L-theanine. * Use of drugs or performance-enhancing supplements within the past month. * Regular tobacco use. * Consumption of alcohol in the past week. * Inconsistent sleep patterns or difficulty following standardized sleep and hydration guidelines.

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Reaction Time

The time it takes for participants to respond to visual and auditory stimuli during gaming, measured in milliseconds using Aim Lab and other standardized reaction time tests.

Time frame: Reaction time will be assessed immediately before each intervention and at two time points after each intervention (at 45 minutes and 2 hours post-intervention) on each of the three study days.