Energy drinks are often used by athletes before competitions to enhance their performance. Recent research has pointed out that the performance effects of select ingredients have been studied individually but not in combination with caffeine. Therefore, this study is designed to investigate the effects of caffeine, anserine, and elderberry on cognitive function and repeated sprint performance of athletes during a high-intensity exercise protocol. A double-blind, randomized crossover design will be employed. Three types of supplements will be tested: placebo, caffeine (220 mg), and an energy drink containing 220 mg caffeine, 288 mg anserine, 400 mg elderberry, and 660 mg of a vitamin-mineral mixture. Twelve college athletes will be recruited to complete repeated sprint tests on a cycle ergometer until exhaustion and to undertake a series of cognitive tasks during exercise.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
12
Placebo powder mixed into 100 ml grape juice and 200 ml water, consumed 30 minutes before testing.
220 mg caffeine powder mixed into 100 ml grape juice and 200 ml water, consumed 30 minutes before testing.
A supplement containing 220 mg caffeine, 1800 mg anserine extract, and 400 mg elderberry extract, mixed into 100 ml grape juice and 200 ml water, consumed 30 minutes before testing.
University of Taipei
Taipei, Taiwan
Repeated Sprint Performance
Participants completed a repeated sprint test on a cycle ergometer after supplement intake and 30 minutes waiting. The test involved multiple 10-second maximal sprints with 20-second passive recoveries, continuing until fatigue (cadence \< 70 rpm for over 3 seconds). During the test, the resistance was set at 0.8 Nm/kg body weight. Total power output during repeated sprint performance was the primary outcome.
Time frame: From second to fourth weeks, 30 minutes after the participants consumed the supplement.
Squares performance- spatial working memory
The spatial memory task required participants to recall the spatial location of dots presented on a screen. A 6×6 grid was shown. First, some squares were colored for one second, and after they re-turned to normal, we need to press the squares that were previously colored. It would end if participants answered incorrectly. At higher stages, more squares were randomly colored. Reaching higher stages indicates better memory performance.
Time frame: From the fifth -seventh weeks, 30 minutes after the participants consumed the supplement.
Colour drop performance- executive function
evaluates executive function by asking participants to name the ink color of color-words that are incongruent (e.g., the word "GREEN" printed in blue ink). Incorrect responses end the test; higher scores indicate better executive function.
Time frame: From the fifth -seventh weeks, 30 minutes after the participants consumed the supplement.
Schulte grid performance- attention
Schulte Grid Test - measures attention by requiring participants to find numbers from 1 to 36 in ascending order on a 6×6 grid as quickly as possible; faster completion indicates better attention.
Time frame: From the fifth -seventh weeks, 30 minutes after the participants consumed the supplement.
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