Low-Dose Caffeine and Taurine Effects on Performance

Ankara University32 enrolled

Overview

This study aims to investigate the effects of low-dose caffeine and taurine, administered separately and in combination, on anaerobic, neuromuscular, and cognitive performance. The study is designed as a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial involving trained man participants. Each participant will complete experimental sessions under different supplementation conditions, including caffeine, taurine, their combination, and placebo. Performance outcomes will include anaerobic power, neuromuscular performance, and cognitive function assessments. The findings will help clarify whether the combined ingestion of caffeine and taurine produces synergistic performance effects compared with isolated supplementation.

Caffeine and taurine are commonly consumed ingredients in coffee and energy drinks and are frequently used as ergogenic aids to enhance physical and cognitive performance. Although both compounds have been widely investigated individually, evidence regarding their combined effects remains limited and inconsistent. Understanding whether caffeine and taurine produce synergistic or additive effects is important for clarifying their role in sports performance and supplementation strategies. The present study is designed as a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial to examine the isolated and combined effects of low-dose caffeine and taurine on anaerobic, neuromuscular, and cognitive performance in trained individuals. Participants will complete multiple experimental sessions under different supplementation conditions, including caffeine, taurine, their combination, and placebo. During each session, participants will undergo standardized performance assessments to evaluate anaerobic power, neuromuscular performance, and cognitive function. The crossover design allows each participant to serve as their own control, minimizing inter-individual variability. The findings of this study may provide further insight into the potential synergistic effects of caffeine and taurine supplementation on performance outcomes.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

OTHER

Interventions

CaffeineDIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Caffeine administered at a dose of 2 mg/kg body mass in capsule form, 60 minutes prior to performance testing.

taurineDIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Taurine administered at a dose of 10 mg/kg body mass in capsule form, 60 minutes prior to performance testing.

Caffeine + TaurineDIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Combined supplementation of caffeine (2 mg/kg) and taurine (10 mg/kg) administered 60 minutes prior to testing.

PlaceboDIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Placebo capsule containing maltodextrin (300 mg) administered 60 minutes prior to testing.

Eligibility

Sex: MALEMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 25 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Male participants aged 18 to 25 years * Regularly engaged in strength training at least three days per week for the previous 24 months * Apparently healthy with no self-reported cardiovascular, metabolic, neurological, or musculoskeletal disorders * Free from injuries affecting skeletal muscles, joints, or tendons during the previous two years Exclusion Criteria: * Use of medications or dietary supplements that may influence physical or cognitive performance * Known sensitivity or intolerance to caffeine or taurine * Consumption of caffeine or other stimulants within 24 hours prior to the testing sessions * Failure to comply with pre-testing instructions or study procedures

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Anaerobic Power

Anaerobic power measured during the Wingate Anaerobic Test following supplementation conditions (caffeine, taurine, caffeine + taurine, and placebo).

Time frame: 60 minutes after supplementation

Secondary Outcomes

Neuromuscular Performance

Neuromuscular performance assessed using handgrip strength measured with a hand dynamometer following supplementation.