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A DOUBLE-BLIND, PLACEBO-CONTROLLED ASSESSMENT OF THE INFLUENCE OF CAFFEINE ON STATIC BALANCE IN HEALTHY ADULTS

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Balance is important for daily human function and is one common diagnostic for neurological health and injury, such as concussion. Caffeine has been shown to affect human function and possibly balance at high doses in some individuals. The purpose of this research is to investigate the effects of a moderate caffeine dose on a commonly-used, diagnostic static balance protocol in healthy adults. METHODS: The college institutional review board approved this research and 22 adults (10 men, 12 women; average age of 29.78 years) completed the Stability Evaluation Test (SET) and modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction and Balance (mCTSIB) using the Neurocom Balance Master under caffeine (200mg) and placebo conditions in a repeated measures, placebo-controlled, double-blind experimental design. RESULTS: According to repeated measures ANOVA, there were no significant postural sway velocity (balance) main effects by caffeine condition for the SET (F = 0.015, P = 0.903) or mCTSIB (F = 0.577, P = 0.458). Combined postural sway velocity for all SET conditions for the caffeine condition was 2.370±0.183 deg/s and for the placebo condition was 2.351±0.175 deg/s. Combined postural sway velocity for all mCTSIB conditions for the caffeine condition was 0.627±0.350 deg/s and for the placebo condition was 0.643±0.370 deg/s. We found significant postural sway main effects by foam, stance and eye condition. We also noted significant ANOVA between participants’ differences for age, but not for sex. CONCLUSIONS: Caffeine (200 mg) does not have significant influence on static balance as measured by the SET and mCTSIB in healthy adults as assessed in our study. The results of this investigation may inform practitioners of the importance of controlling caffeine intake prior to balance assessment and individuals as to the effects of caffeine on balance for daily activities

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