This study investigated the effects of short-term supplementation with taurine, caffeine, and phosphatidylserine on physical and cognitive performance in professional male football players. Eighty-one players were randomly assigned to one of three groups: placebo, taurine plus caffeine, or taurine plus caffeine combined with phosphatidylserine. Supplementation was administered for 10 days, with a final dose taken 60 minutes before a standardized 105-minute football training session. Primary and secondary outcomes included sprint performance, reaction time, GPS-derived locomotor variables, and technical and tactical performance indicators. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether combined multi-ingredient supplementation could improve performance and attenuate fatigue-related declines under match-like conditions.
This randomized, placebo-controlled, single-blind study evaluated the effects of combined supplementation with taurine, caffeine, and phosphatidylserine on physical and cognitive performance in professional male football players. Eighty-one participants aged 19-32 years were randomly assigned to one of three groups: placebo (lactose), taurine plus caffeine (1500 mg taurine + 200 mg caffeine), or taurine plus caffeine plus phosphatidylserine (1500 mg taurine + 150 mg caffeine + 300 mg phosphatidylserine daily for 10 days). All participants completed a 10-day supplementation period, followed by a standardized 105-minute football training session. Outcome measures included sprint performance (30 m sprint time), reaction time (visual and auditory), GPS-derived variables (total distance, sprint activity, speed, accelerations, and decelerations), and technical and tactical performance indicators assessed by coaching staff and video analysis. The study was conducted under controlled environmental conditions and in accordance with standardized training procedures. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) with post hoc testing. The aim was to determine whether multi-ingredient supplementation could enhance performance and reduce fatigue-related declines in a football-specific setting.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
81
Placebo (lactose) administered daily for 10 days
Taurine 1500 mg and caffeine 200 mg administered daily for 10 days
Taurine 1500 mg, caffeine 150 mg, and phosphatidylserine 300 mg administered daily for 10 days
ŁKS Łódź
Lodz, Łódżkie, Poland
30 m sprint time (seconds)
Time to complete a 30 meter sprint under standardized conditions, expressed in seconds; calculated as the mean of valid trials.
Time frame: Day 10 (final training session following supplementation)
Reaction time (visual and auditory)
Visual and auditory reaction time measured using standardized computerized reaction time tests (e.g., validated software-based assessment tools), expressed as mean response time in seconds across valid trials.
Time frame: Day 10 (post-supplementation)
Total distance (meters)
Total distance covered during the standardized training session, measured using GPS tracking devices (e.g., 10 Hz GPS units), expressed in meters.
Time frame: Day 10 (during standardized training session)
Running speed (m/s)
Mean running speed during the standardized training session, measured using GPS tracking devices (e.g., 10 Hz GPS units), expressed in meters per second.
Time frame: Day 10 (during standardized training session)
Sprint count (number)
Total number of sprint efforts recorded during the standardized training session using GPS tracking devices.
Time frame: Day 10 (during standardized training session)
High-speed running distance (meters)
Distance covered at high-speed running thresholds during the standardized training session, measured using GPS tracking and expressed in meters.
Time frame: Day 10 (during standardized training session)
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.