Placebo Effect in Field-Based Physical Performance

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Caffeine (6mg/kg): Anhydrous caffeine administered in an encapsulated form at a dosage of 6mg per kilogram of body mass, 30-60 minutes before the exercise protocol.

Placebo (Starch capsule): Corn starch administered in an identical encapsulated form as the active caffeine, 30-60 minutes before the exercise protocol.

Sham (No Treatment): Participants perform the same exercise protocols without any capsule or substance administration.

Study summary

This study aims to investigate the placebo (PLA) effect on physical performance across different sports disciplines in real-world, field-based settings. The study investigates how participant expectations and beliefs regarding caffeine (CAF) intake influence physical performance and psychomotor function outside the controlled laboratory environment. Healthy, physically active adults (n = 120) from diverse sports backgrounds will be randomly assigned to receive caffeine, placebo, or no intervention. Participants will perform discipline-specific field exercise tests (e.g., running-based protocols or repeated sprint protocols) while physiological responses are monitored using wearable technology. Physical performance outcomes and psychomotor responses will be analyzed to evaluate the real-world impact of the placebo effect and to distinguish the pharmacological effects of caffeine from those driven by psychological expectations across different athletic settings.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Physical Performance Capacity (total distance in running, metres) — Measured during the exercise protocol immediately following administration of the study intervention.
  Total physical work capacity measured as the total running distance (metres) completed during the standardized exercise protocol.
• Physical Performance Capacity (total work in Joules for cycling) — Measured during the exercise protocol immediately following administration of the study intervention.
  Total physical work capacity measured as the total mechanical work (Joules) completed during the standardized cycling exercise protocol.
• Physical Performance Capacity (exercise duration until exhaustion, minutes) — Measured during the exercise protocol immediately following administration of the study intervention.
  Total physical work capacity measured as exercise duration until volitional exhaustion during the standardized exercise protocol.

Trial sites (1)

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