Effect of Huperzine A on Cognitive Function and Perception of Effort During Exercise

Effect of Huperzine A on Cognitive Function and Perception of Effort During Exercise

This study evaluates the effects of acute huperzine A ingestion prior to exercise on cognitive function and perceived effort in exercise-trained individuals. Huperzine A has shown the ability to improve cognitive function in dementia patients, and is currently marketed as a cognitive enhancing supplement. Study participants will receive either huperzine A or placebo during the first experimental session, and will receive the other substance during the second session.

Huperzine A improves cognitive function by inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase. This enzyme is responsible for the degradation of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. inhibition of acetylcholinesterase may allow for greater availability of acetylcholine, which may allow for better nerve conduction and therefore enhanced cognitive function and possibly muscular contraction.

Huperzine A (200 mcg, Swanson®, Fargo, North Dakota) and placebo capsules will be administered in a single oral dose. The dose of Huperzine A to be used is comparable to previous research (Xu et al, 2011). Placebo capsules will consist of rice flour. The participants will ingest the capsules with 250 mL of water 30-45 minutes before exercise is initiated.

A paired-sample t-test with alpha set to p ≤ 0.05 for statistical significance will be used to analyze the data. Outcomes measured during the first and second experimental sessions will be compared to each other. The participants will be compared to themselves during previous sessions, so a paired sample t-test will be used to calculate the difference between the sessions. Data will be presented as means ± SE. Data analyses will be performed with Microsoft Excel; and other analyses may be performed as needed to gain further insights about the data.

A statistical power analysis was performed (G*Power software, version 3.1.5, University of Kiel, University of Dusseldorf, and University of Mannheim, 157 Germany) based on the following inputs: two-tailed paired t-test, alpha=0.05, desired power=0.80, sample size=15 subjects. The results indicated that a standardized effect size of 0.78 (i.e. large effect) will be detectable. As many as 20 subjects will be recruited and enrolled to ensure that complete data on 15 subjects are available in the event of screen fails and dropouts.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Men and women of all ethnic and racial groups that participate in endurance exercise of moderate to vigorous intensity at least three days per week, for at least 20 minutes per session, for at least six months prior to this study

Exclusion Criteria:

• Anyone not within the age range listed in section 8a will be excluded. Individuals who require medical clearance to participate in vigorous exercise based on ACSM's risk assessment algorithm will be excluded from the study. The participant screening form will be used to identify signs and symptoms or medical conditions that require medical clearance to participate in vigorous exercise.