Cognitive and Cerebral Blood Flow Effects of 2-week Caffeine Abstinence or Maintenance

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Cognitive Function; Mood; Cerebral Haemodynamics; Caffeine Withdrawal
• Interventions: Dietary Supplement: Caffeine and Placebo; Dietary Supplement: Placebo and Caffeine; Dietary Supplement: Placebo; Dietary Supplement: Caffeine

• Registration Number: NCT01376882
• Lead Sponsor: Northumbria University

Brief Summary

The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of 2 weeks caffeine abstinence as compared to 2 weeks caffeine maintenance (300mg per day)on cognition and mood. Cerebral blood flow effects will also be assessed in a subset of participants. The role of caffeine abstinence/maintenance in the acute effects of caffeine will also be explored.

Detailed Description

The current randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel groups study aims to explore the behavioural effects of 2-weeks caffeine abstinence as well as establishing the role of abstinence in the effects of caffeine administration by administering caffeine or placebo to those in a state of chronic and acute abstinence. This research also aims to explore, in a subset of participants, the cerebral blood flow effects of caffeine abstinence and caffeine administration using Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS). Cerebral blood flow will be measured both at rest and during performance of cognitive tasks.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2011-03
• Study First Submitted: 2011-06-16
• Study First Submitted QC: 2011-06-16
• Study First Posted: 2011-06-20
• Status Verified: 2013-03
• Primary Completion: 2013-03
• Study Completion: 2013-03
• Last Update Submitted: 2013-03-28
• Last Update Posted: 2013-03-29

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 110

Inclusion Criteria

• Male/Female
• 18 - 40 years
• Healthy
• Consume ≥ 150 mg caffeine daily
• No herbal supplements/prescription medications (excl. contraceptive pill)
• Non smoker
• Native English speaker

Exclusion Criteria

• Diagnosis of any significant medical condition or disorder
• Any known allergy or hypersensitivity to food.
• BMI >29.9 or <18.5
• Blood pressure >139/89

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Acute withdrawal	Caffeine and Placebo	Chronic intervention 100 mg caffeine capsules 3 times per day for 14 days. Acute intervention of placebo capsule on day 15.
Acute caffeine-independent of withdrawal	Placebo and Caffeine	Chronic intervention of placebo capsules 3 times per day for 14 days. Acute intervention of 100 mg caffeine capsule on day 15.
Chronic abstinence	Placebo	Chronic intervention of placebo capsules 3 times per day for 14 days. Acute intervention of placebo capsule on day 15.
Acute caffeine-in state of withdrawal	Caffeine	Chronic intervention of 100 mg caffeine capsule 3 times per day for 14 days. Acute intervention of 100 mg caffeine capsule on day 15.

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Cognitive performance	2 weeks	Performance is assessed using COMPASS (Computerised Mental Performance Assessment System), which presents a battery of standard cognitive tasks assessing aspects of attention and memory.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Mood	2 weeks	Mood will be evaluated using Visual Analogue Scales administered using COMPASS.
Cerebral haemodynamic	2 weeks	Cerebral blood flow will be measured in a subset of participants using Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS).
Sleep	2 weeks	Quality of sleep will be measured using the Pitsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).
Caffeine withdrawal	2 weeks	Symptoms of caffeine withdrawal will be measured using a Subjective and Somatic State Questionnaire.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Brain, Performance and Nutrition Research Centre, Northumbria University; 🇬🇧 Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Tyne and Wear, United Kingdom