Placebo Effect in Field-Based Physical Performance
Trial statusNot yet recruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age20-35
SponsorPoznan University of Physical Education
About this trial
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 criteria
This trial accepts healthy volunteersQualifiers
Age between 20 and 35 years,
Healthy adults,
Regular physical activity,
Normal or corrected-to-normal vision,
Disqualifiers
History of neurological, psychiatric, cardiovascular, or metabolic disorders,
Current use of medication or supplements affecting the central nervous system,
Musculoskeletal injuries that would impair physical performance,
No habitual caffeine consumption or severe negative side effects of caffeine,
Trial design
Design model
Parallel
Treatments tested in this trial
Caffeine (6mg/kg)
DrugAnhydrous 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)
Other interventionCorn starch administered in an identical encapsulated form as the active caffeine, 30-60 minutes before the exercise protocol.
Sham (No Treatment)
Other interventionParticipants perform the same exercise protocols without any capsule or substance administration.
Treatment groups
120 Participants
are divided into 3 treatment groupsGroup A: Caffeine GroupExperimental treatment 1 intervention
Group B: Placebo GroupActive comparator 1 intervention
Group C: Control GroupSham comparator 1 intervention
Trial outcomes
Primary outcomes
1
Physical Performance Capacity (total distance in running, metres)
Total physical work capacity measured as the total running distance (metres) completed during the standardized exercise protocol.
Time frame
Measured during the exercise protocol immediately following administration of the study intervention.2
Physical Performance Capacity (total work in Joules for cycling)
Total physical work capacity measured as the total mechanical work (Joules) completed during the standardized cycling exercise protocol.
Time frame
Measured during the exercise protocol immediately following administration of the study intervention.3
Physical Performance Capacity (exercise duration until exhaustion, minutes)
Total physical work capacity measured as exercise duration until volitional exhaustion during the standardized exercise protocol.
Time frame
Measured during the exercise protocol immediately following administration of the study intervention.Secondary outcomes
1
Exercise Heart Rate (bpm)
Heart rate (beats per minute) recorded continuously throughout the standardized exercise protocol.
Time frame
Continuously monitored during the exercise protocol immediately following administration of the study intervention.2
Cognitive Heart Rate (bpm)
Heart rate recorded during standardized cognitive performance tasks.
Time frame
Measured during cognitive testing immediately before and immediately after the exercise protocol.3
Post-Exercise Heart Rate Recovery (bpm)
Heart rate recorded during the post-exercise recovery period.
Time frame
Continuously monitored during the first 5 minutes immediately following completion of the exercise protocol.4
Cognitive Reaction Time (ms)
Reaction time measured during standardized cognitive tasks (e.g., Psychomotor Vigilance Test, Stroop Test, Flanker Test).
Time frame
Measured immediately before and immediately after the exercise protocol.Sponsors and contacts
Click on the lead sponsor to view all of their trials.
Source ClinicalTrials.gov
This trial is not recruiting at the moment. You can still explore other options: