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

Part of paid clinical trials in St Louis, Missouri.

Sponsor
St. Louis University
Study ID
NCT07641335
Status
Not Yet Recruiting

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Conditions

  • Attention
  • Caffeine
  • Cognitive Performance
  • Reaction Time

Eligibility Criteria

Sex
ALL
Age
18 Years - 50 Years
Healthy Volunteers
Accepted

Interventions

  • Caffeinated Coffee — DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT
    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.
  • Decaffeinated Coffee Placebo — DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT
    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.

Study Details

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.

Key Dates

Start date
Jun 15, 2026
Status verified
Jun 2026
Primary completion
Jun 30, 2027
Completion
Aug 31, 2027

Study Design

Enrollment
12 participants (estimated)
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
CROSSOVER
Primary purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE

Arms

  • Active Comparator: Caffeinated Coffee
    Participants will consume one serving of 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 completion of cognitive testing and a standardized tournament-style chess game during the experimental visit.
  • Placebo Comparator: Decaffeinated Coffee Placebo
    Participants will consume one serving of black decaffeinated coffee prepared to match the caffeinated coffee in taste and appearance. The beverage will be consumed approximately 30 minutes before completion of cognitive testing and a standardized tournament-style chess game during the experimental visit.

Primary Outcome Measure

Chess Performance Accuracy [ Time Frame: 30 minutes after beverage consumption through completion of the tournament-style chess game at each experimental visit. ]

Central Contacts

Locations (1)

FacilityCityStateZIPSite coordinators
Saint Louis UniversitySt LouisMissouri63104
Hossein Rafiei, PhD
[email protected]
1314-977-8675
Hossein Rafiei, PhD (PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR)

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By research site
Saint Louis University· St Louis, MO

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