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Effects of Caffeine on Chess Performance and Cognitive Function in Professional Chess Players

NCT07641335 · Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 12

Last updated 2026-06-11

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

This study will examine whether caffeine improves cognitive and competitive performance in professional chess players during tournament-style games. In a randomized double-blind crossover design, participants will complete two experimental sessions in which they consume either caffeinated coffee or decaffeinated coffee before playing a standardized chess match. Cognitive performance will be assessed using attention and reaction-time tests, including the Stroop Test, Trail Making Test, and Puzzle Rush task. Chess performance outcomes such as move accuracy, time management, and error rates will also be evaluated. The study aims to determine whether moderate caffeine intake enhances focus, alertness, and decision-making during prolonged competitive chess play.

Conditions

  • Cognitive Performance
  • Attention
  • Reaction Time
  • Caffeine

Interventions

DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Caffeinated Coffee

Black caffeinated coffee prepared from 15 g of ground coffee brewed in 200 g of water, providing approximately 100 mg of caffeine. The beverage will be consumed approximately 30 minutes before cognitive testing and tournament-style chess gameplay.

DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Decaffeinated Coffee Placebo

Black decaffeinated coffee prepared from the same batch of coffee beans and matched for taste and appearance to the caffeinated condition. The beverage will be consumed approximately 30 minutes before cognitive testing and tournament-style chess gameplay.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • St. Louis University

    lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

  • Hossein Rafiei, PhD · St. Louis University

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
TRIPLE
Model
CROSSOVER

Eligibility

Min Age
18 Years
Max Age
50 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2026-06-15
Primary Completion
2027-06-30
Completion
2027-08-31

Countries

  • United States

Study Locations

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07641335 on ClinicalTrials.gov