Caffeine Supplementation Improves the Cognitive Abilities and Shooting Performance of Trained E-sports Players

Graduate Program in Department of Exercise Health Science, National Taiwan University of Sport

Purpose: investigators explored the effect of 3 mg/kg of caffeine supplementation on the cognitive ability and shooting performance of trained e-sports players. Methods: investigators recruited nine e-sports players who had received professional training in e-sports and had won at least eighth place in national-level e-sports shooting competitions. After performing three to five familiarization tests, investigators employed a randomized crossover design to divide participants into a caffeine trial (CAF) and a placebo trial (PL). The CAF group took capsules with 3 mg/kg of caffeine, whereas the PL group took a placebo capsule. After a 1-h rest, the Stroop task, visual search ability test, and the shooting ability test were conducted.

Inclusion Criteria:

• had experience with national competitions and regularly underwent training in first-person shooters

Exclusion Criteria:

• no experience with national competitions and regularly underwent training in first-person shooters
• have any diseases affecting the heart, bones, and joints or diseases that preclude exercise