MedTrace Logo

Neurocognitive Effects of Extended-Release Methylphenidate in Healthy Adults

NCT07742631 · Status: COMPLETED · Phase: EARLY_PHASE1 · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 30

Last updated 2026-08-03

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

This study evaluated the effects of methylphenidate (MPH), a stimulant medication commonly used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), in healthy adults without ADHD. Although MPH is sometimes used by students and athletes to improve concentration or performance, its true benefits and risks in healthy individuals are uncertain.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether short-term use of MPH improves thinking ability, physical performance, cardiovascular function, balance, muscle strength, or heart safety in healthy adults.

In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study, 28 healthy adult participants received either MPH (20 mg daily) or a placebo for 14 days, followed by a washout period and then the alternate treatment. Participants underwent repeated testing of heart rate, blood pressure, exercise capacity, balance, muscle strength, cognitive function, and heart electrical activity (ECG).

Conditions

  • Healthy Adult Male and Female Volunteers

Interventions

DRUG

Methylphenidate Stimulant medication therapy

Extended-release methylphenidate 20 mg administered orally once daily for 14 days.

OTHER

Placebo Capsule(s)

Matching placebo capsules containing inert sucrose, identical in appearance to the active medication capsules.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • University of Witwatersrand, South Africa

    lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
DOUBLE
Model
CROSSOVER

Eligibility

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

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2023-02-06
Primary Completion
2024-04-15
Completion
2024-04-15

Countries

  • South Africa

Study Locations

More Related Trials

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 NCT07742631 on ClinicalTrials.gov