Cognitive Performance, Physical Performance
Conditions
Keywords
taurine, caffeine, phosphatidylserine, football, reaction time, sprint performance
Brief summary
This study investigated the effects of short-term supplementation with taurine, caffeine, and phosphatidylserine on physical and cognitive performance in professional male football players. Eighty-one players were randomly assigned to one of three groups: placebo, taurine plus caffeine, or taurine plus caffeine combined with phosphatidylserine. Supplementation was administered for 10 days, with a final dose taken 60 minutes before a standardized 105-minute football training session. Primary and secondary outcomes included sprint performance, reaction time, GPS-derived locomotor variables, and technical and tactical performance indicators. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether combined multi-ingredient supplementation could improve performance and attenuate fatigue-related declines under match-like conditions.
Detailed description
This randomized, placebo-controlled, single-blind study evaluated the effects of combined supplementation with taurine, caffeine, and phosphatidylserine on physical and cognitive performance in professional male football players. Eighty-one participants aged 19-32 years were randomly assigned to one of three groups: placebo (lactose), taurine plus caffeine (1500 mg taurine + 200 mg caffeine), or taurine plus caffeine plus phosphatidylserine (1500 mg taurine + 150 mg caffeine + 300 mg phosphatidylserine daily for 10 days). All participants completed a 10-day supplementation period, followed by a standardized 105-minute football training session. Outcome measures included sprint performance (30 m sprint time), reaction time (visual and auditory), GPS-derived variables (total distance, sprint activity, speed, accelerations, and decelerations), and technical and tactical performance indicators assessed by coaching staff and video analysis. The study was conducted under controlled environmental conditions and in accordance with standardized training procedures. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) with post hoc testing. The aim was to determine whether multi-ingredient supplementation could enhance performance and reduce fatigue-related declines in a football-specific setting.
Interventions
OTHERPlacebo
Placebo (lactose) administered daily for 10 days
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENTTaurine and Caffeine
Taurine 1500 mg and caffeine 200 mg administered daily for 10 days
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENTTaurine, Caffeine, and Phosphatidylserine
Taurine 1500 mg, caffeine 150 mg, and phosphatidylserine 300 mg administered daily for 10 days
Sponsors
Krzysztof Mizera
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Caregiver)
Masking description
Participants were blinded to group allocation. Supplements and placebo were identical in appearance. Investigators were aware of group assignments.
Intervention model description
Participants were randomly assigned to one of three parallel groups: placebo, taurine plus caffeine, or taurine plus caffeine combined with phosphatidylserine. Each participant received only one intervention throughout the study.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
MALE
Age
19 Years to 32 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Male professional football (soccer) players * Age 19-32 years * Currently participating in regular team training (4-5 sessions per week) * Medically cleared for participation in high-intensity physical activity * Provided written informed consent
Exclusion criteria
* Current injury or musculoskeletal condition affecting performance * Chronic disease or medical condition * Use of medications that may affect physical or cognitive performance * Regular use of dietary supplements or caffeine prior to the study period * Smoking or alcohol consumption * Failure to comply with study procedures
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 30 m sprint time (seconds) | Day 10 (final training session following supplementation) | Time to complete a 30 meter sprint under standardized conditions, expressed in seconds; calculated as the mean of valid trials. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Reaction time (visual and auditory) | Day 10 (post-supplementation) | Visual and auditory reaction time measured using standardized computerized reaction time tests (e.g., validated software-based assessment tools), expressed as mean response time in seconds across valid trials. |
| Total distance (meters) | Day 10 (during standardized training session) | Total distance covered during the standardized training session, measured using GPS tracking devices (e.g., 10 Hz GPS units), expressed in meters. |
| Running speed (m/s) | Day 10 (during standardized training session) | Mean running speed during the standardized training session, measured using GPS tracking devices (e.g., 10 Hz GPS units), expressed in meters per second. |
| Sprint count (number) | Day 10 (during standardized training session) | Total number of sprint efforts recorded during the standardized training session using GPS tracking devices. |
| High-speed running distance (meters) | Day 10 (during standardized training session) | Distance covered at high-speed running thresholds during the standardized training session, measured using GPS tracking and expressed in meters. |
Countries
Poland
Contacts
PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORKrzysztof Maciej MIZERA, PhD
1. Vizja University in Warsaw, Faculty of Medical Sciences and Health Sciences, 01-143 Warsaw, Poland
Outcome results
None listed