Active not recruitingPHASE1, PHASE2INTERVENTIONAL

Effects of Caffeine Ingestion on Morning Cognitive and 4-km Time Trial Performance in Males

Have you ever felt less energetic in the morning? Athletes often face this when competing in early rounds. This study aims to find out if caffeine can help healthy, active young adult men overcome this morning dip, improving both their mental sharpness and their 4-kilometre time trial performance. We know that things like our body clock can make us feel weaker in the morning. Previous research has explored caffeine's role in similar situations, but this study specifically compares caffeine, a 'dummy' pill (placebo), and no pill at all, to make sure any effects seen are truly due to the caffeine. It’s important to understand how to help athletes perform at their best, especially when their bodies naturally perform better later in the day.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

PHASE1, PHASE2

Sponsor

Liverpool John Moores University

Enrolment target

Start

12 Jan 2026

Estimated completion

25 Mar 2026

Caffeine Placebo - Control No Pill

What is this study about?

This study is looking into how caffeine might affect how well young adult men perform in the morning, both physically and mentally. You might have noticed that you feel stronger or more alert later in the day than first thing in the morning. This is normal for our bodies! Many athletes have to compete in the mornings, for example, in qualifying rounds, and their bodies might not be at their very best at these times. We know that things like our body clock and even our body temperature can make a difference to how we perform throughout the day.

Caffeine is a well-known stimulant that some people use to feel more awake. This study wants to see if taking caffeine in the morning can help athletes perform better in a 4-kilometre time trial (a race against the clock) and also help with their thinking skills. To get a really clear picture, the study will compare three different conditions: taking a caffeine pill, taking a 'placebo' pill (which looks like caffeine but has no active ingredient), and taking no pill at all. This helps the researchers understand if any benefits are truly from the caffeine, or if some an effect is simply because someone *thinks* they've taken something that will help.

The main goal here is to understand if caffeine can be a useful tool for athletes facing morning competitions, helping them to perform closer to their peak, even when their body's natural rhythm might be working against them. Ultimately, findings from this type of research can help athletes and coaches make informed choices about how to prepare for competitions, especially those held early in the day.

Key takeaways

This study investigates if caffeine improves morning exercise and thinking skills.
It involves comparing caffeine, a placebo (dummy pill), and no pill.
Participants will be healthy men who regularly train.
The goal is to help athletes perform better in morning competitions.
Your participation is voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be a healthy man between 18 and 35 years old. You should also have at least two years of experience with weight or strength training and be free from any injuries that might affect your ability to exercise.

It's important that you're not taking any regular medications, including common painkillers like ibuprofen, during the study period. Your normal caffeine intake should also be quite low, meaning you typically consume no more than about 150 milligrams of caffeine (roughly one to one-and-a-half cups of filter coffee) per day. You also shouldn't have a strong preference for training at a specific time of day.

You won't be able to join if you have symptoms of depression, have poor sleep quality, or have recently worked night shifts or travelled across many time zones. People with extreme morning or evening preferences (often called 'chronotypes') or any heart problems will also not be able to take part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you a man aged between 18 and 35?
Do you train with weights or do strength training regularly (for at least 2 years)?
Are you generally healthy and free from injuries?
Do you usually consume less than two cups of filter coffee's worth of caffeine per day?
Are you currently not taking any long-term medications, including common painkillers?
Do you not have poor sleep, symptoms of depression, or heart problems?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part in this study, you'll be giving different things to try over a period of time, on separate days. These will include a caffeine pill, a 'dummy' pill with no active ingredients (a placebo), and a 'no pill' condition. On each study day, you will take the assigned pill (or no pill) and then do some tests. These tests will include activities to measure your thinking skills and a 4-kilometre time trial to assess your physical performance. The total duration of your participation, including all visits and follow-ups, will depend on the study's schedule, but each visit will involve these assessments. You will be monitored throughout the process.

Potential risks and benefits

There are some potential benefits to taking part in this study, such as contributing to scientific understanding about how caffeine affects athletic performance and possibly gaining insights into your own body's response to caffeine. However, there's no guarantee that you will personally benefit. Potential risks include feeling jittery or having trouble sleeping if you are sensitive to caffeine, or experiencing minor discomfort during the exercise tests. Remember, your participation is completely voluntary, and you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Tom Reilly Building (LJMU)
Verified postcode
Liverpool, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is a 'placebo'?

A placebo is a 'dummy' pill that looks just like the real thing but contains no active ingredients. It helps researchers see if any effects are due to the actual medicine or just to the idea of taking something.

Why include a 'no pill' group?

Including a 'no pill' group helps the researchers compare the effects of caffeine and a placebo against what happens when you don't take anything at all. This helps them get a clearer picture of caffeine's true impact.

What kind of caffeine will be used?

The study will use a specific dose of caffeine (300 milligrams) in pill form.

What does 'cognitive performance' mean?

'Cognitive performance' refers to your thinking skills, such as how well you can focus, remember things, and make decisions.

Will I know if I'm getting caffeine or a placebo?

No, this type of study is usually 'blinded', meaning neither you nor the researchers will know which pill you are taking until after the study is complete. This helps keep the results fair.