EsportsCLD Esports StNCT06621797
Effects of Caffeine, L-Theanine, and Diaphragmatic Breathing on Esports Players' Performance
A study testing Intervention 1: Dietary Supplement - Caffeine Supplement, Intervention 2: Dietary Supplement - Caffeine + L-Theanine Supplement and Intervention 3: Dietary Supplement - Caffeine Supplement + Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercises in people with Esports and Caffeine, run by Hacettepe University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
The purpose of this study is to investigate whether caffeine, L-theanine (a natural amino acid found in tea), and diaphragmatic breathing exercises can help improve the game performance of esports players. Esports players often need fast reaction times, high accuracy, and mental focus during competitive gaming. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 30 years, men onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Esports, Caffeine, L-theanine
- What is being tested?
- Intervention 1: Dietary Supplement - Caffeine Supplement, Intervention 2: Dietary Supplement - Caffeine + L-Theanine Supplement and Intervention 3: Dietary Supplement - Caffeine Supplement + Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercises
- Type of treatment
- Pill or oral medicine, Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 15 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 1 May 2023to 26 Sep 2024
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 30 years
- Men only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Male esports players aged 18-30.
- Actively involved in esports for at least 6 hours per week for a minimum of 6 months.
- Low caffeine consumption (less than 80 mg per day).
- Low L-theanine consumption (less than 100 mg per day).
- Non-smokers or those who do not use tobacco products.
- No recent history of upper extremity surgery.
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- No known allergies to caffeine or L-theanine.
- No neurological, visual, or auditory disorders.
- No use of drugs or performance-enhancing supplements within the past month.
- No alcohol consumption within the past week.
Who cannot join
- Use of stimulant medications.
- History of upper extremity surgery.
- Diagnosed neurological, visual, or auditory disorders.
- Allergy to caffeine or L-theanine.
- Use of drugs or performance-enhancing supplements within the past month.
- Regular tobacco use.
- Consumption of alcohol in the past week.
- Inconsistent sleep patterns or difficulty following standardized sleep and hydration guidelines.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Can L-Theanine Supplementation or Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercises in Addition to Caffeine Supplementation Be Used as Ergogenic Aids to Influence Game Performance in Esports Players?
The purpose of this study is to investigate whether caffeine, L-theanine (a natural amino acid found in tea), and diaphragmatic breathing exercises can help improve the game performance of esports players. Esports players often need fast reaction times, high accuracy, and mental focus during competitive gaming. This study will look at how caffeine and L-theanine supplements, either separately or together, and breathing exercises impact key performance factors like reaction time and accuracy during gameplay. The goal is to determine if these strategies can help esports players perform better by reducing stress, improving concentration, and speeding up reaction times. The findings could help inform safe, effective methods to enhance cognitive and physical performance in gaming.
Read the detailed description
This study explores the effects of caffeine, L-theanine supplementation, and diaphragmatic breathing exercises on esports players\' game performance, focusing on reaction time and accuracy. Caffeine is widely recognized for its stimulating effects, improving attention and reducing fatigue, while L-theanine, found in tea, is known to reduce stress and balance the effects of caffeine. Diaphragmatic breathing exercises are designed to lower stress levels, improve focus, and enhance cognitive function.
The study utilizes a randomized, single-blind crossover design, where participants-esports players aged 18-30-will undergo three different interventions: caffeine only, caffeine combined with L-theanine, and caffeine combined with diaphragmatic breathing exercises. Performance outcomes, including reaction time and accuracy, will be assessed using game-based software and tests. Participants will have their performance measured before and after each intervention, allowing for comparison between the different strategies.
This study aims to determine whether these supplements and exercises, alone or in combination, can serve as effective ergogenic aids, helping esports players optimize their performance by improving cognitive and motor skills, while also reducing stress. These findings could have broader applications for enhancing mental performance in competitive environments.
- Conditions
- Esports, Caffeine, L-theanine
- Being tested
- Intervention 1: Dietary Supplement - Caffeine Supplement, Intervention 2: Dietary Supplement - Caffeine + L-Theanine Supplement, Intervention 3: Dietary Supplement - Caffeine Supplement + Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercises
- Keywords
- Esports, Caffeine, L-Theanine, Diaphragmatic Breathing
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Intervention 1: Dietary Supplement - Caffeine SupplementDietary supplement
Participants in this group will receive a caffeine supplement (3 mg/kg body weight) taken orally 45 minutes before performance testing. No additional interventions will be administered.
Intervention 2: Dietary Supplement - Caffeine + L-Theanine SupplementDietary supplement
Participants in this group will receive a caffeine supplement (3 mg/kg body weight) along with L-theanine in a 1:2 ratio taken orally 45 minutes before performance testing.
Intervention 3: Dietary Supplement - Caffeine Supplement + Diaphragmatic Breathing ExercisesBehavioural
Participants in this group will receive a caffeine supplement (3 mg/kg body weight) 45 minutes before performance testing, followed by a 10-minute session of diaphragmatic breathing exercises.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Caffeine Only Arm | Experimental | Participants receive a caffeine supplement only. Receives: Dietary Supplement: Intervention 1: Dietary Supplement - Caffeine Supplement |
| Caffeine + L-Theanine Arm | Experimental | Participants receive a combination of caffeine and L-theanine supplements. Receives: Dietary Supplement: Intervention 2: Dietary Supplement - Caffeine + L-Theanine Supplement |
| Caffeine + Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercises Arm | Experimental | Participants receive a caffeine supplement and perform diaphragmatic breathing exercises. Receives: Behavioral: Intervention 3: Dietary Supplement - Caffeine Supplement + Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercises |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Reaction Time
The time it takes for participants to respond to visual and auditory stimuli during gaming, measured in milliseconds using Aim Lab and other standardized reaction time tests.
Measured: Reaction time will be assessed immediately before each intervention and at two time points after each intervention (at 45 minutes and 2 hours post-intervention) on each of the three study days.
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted1 Oct 2024
- Study start1 May 2023
- Primary completion24 Sep 2024
- Study completion26 Sep 2024
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for EsportsStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Hacettepe UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Basic science
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Model description
- In this randomized, single-blind crossover study, each participant will experience all three intervention conditions: (1) caffeine only, (2) caffeine combined with L-theanine, and (3) caffeine combined with diaphragmatic breathing exercises. The crossover design allows each participant to serve as their own control, reducing variability and allowing for direct comparisons between the effects of each intervention on reaction time and accuracy. Interventions are spaced apart by washout periods to ensure that the effects of one intervention do not carry over to the next. This model is ideal for studying the short-term effects of multiple interventions on esports performance.
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Participant
- Enrolment
- 15 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Hacettepe University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Sedat Arslan, Hacettepe University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06621797
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- Hacettepe123
- Other IDs
- 123456789
- Acronym
- CLD Esports St
- Status last verified
- Sep 2024
- First submitted
- 26 Sep 2024
- Last updated
- 1 Oct 2024
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: No, there is no plan to share IPD with other researchers.
Publications
Arslan S, Akcay B, Turkmen OB, Mutlu EK. Synergistic effects of caffeine, l-theanine, and diaphragmatic breathing on esports performance: A randomized controlled crossover trial. Nutr Res. 2026 Jul;151:26-36. doi: 10.1016/j.nutres.2026.04.007. Epub 2026 Apr 23.
PubMed 42176572
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 1 Oct 2024. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Can L-Theanine Supplementation or Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercises in Addition to Caffeine Supplementation Be Used as Ergogenic Aids to Influence Game Performance in Esports Players?
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06621797
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- CLD Esports St / Hacettepe123
- Conditions
- Esports, Caffeine, L-theanine
- Keywords
- Esports, Caffeine, L-Theanine, Diaphragmatic Breathing
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 15 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Hacettepe UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 May 2023 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 24 Sep 2024 (actual)
- Study completion
- 26 Sep 2024 (actual)
- First posted
- 1 Oct 2024 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The purpose of this study is to investigate whether caffeine, L-theanine (a natural amino acid found in tea), and diaphragmatic breathing exercises can help improve the game performance of esports players. Esports players often need fast reaction times, high accuracy, and mental focus during competitive gaming. This study will look at how caffeine and L-theanine supplements, either separately or together, and breathing exercises impact key performance factors like reaction time and accuracy during gameplay. The goal is to determine if these strategies can help esports players perform better by reducing stress, improving concentration, and speeding up reaction times. The findings could help inform safe, effective methods to enhance cognitive and physical performance in gaming.
Detailed description
This study explores the effects of caffeine, L-theanine supplementation, and diaphragmatic breathing exercises on esports players\' game performance, focusing on reaction time and accuracy. Caffeine is widely recognized for its stimulating effects, improving attention and reducing fatigue, while L-theanine, found in tea, is known to reduce stress and balance the effects of caffeine. Diaphragmatic breathing exercises are designed to lower stress levels, improve focus, and enhance cognitive function.
The study utilizes a randomized, single-blind crossover design, where participants-esports players aged 18-30-will undergo three different interventions: caffeine only, caffeine combined with L-theanine, and caffeine combined with diaphragmatic breathing exercises. Performance outcomes, including reaction time and accuracy, will be assessed using game-based software and tests. Participants will have their performance measured before and after each intervention, allowing for comparison between the different strategies.
This study aims to determine whether these supplements and exercises, alone or in combination, can serve as effective ergogenic aids, helping esports players optimize their performance by improving cognitive and motor skills, while also reducing stress. These findings could have broader applications for enhancing mental performance in competitive environments.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Basic science
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- Single blind (participant)
- Number of arms
- 3
- Model description
- In this randomized, single-blind crossover study, each participant will experience all three intervention conditions: (1) caffeine only, (2) caffeine combined with L-theanine, and (3) caffeine combined with diaphragmatic breathing exercises. The crossover design allows each participant to serve as their own control, reducing variability and allowing for direct comparisons between the effects of each intervention on reaction time and accuracy. Interventions are spaced apart by washout periods to ensure that the effects of one intervention do not carry over to the next. This model is ideal for studying the short-term effects of multiple interventions on esports performance.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Caffeine Only Arm | Experimental | Dietary Supplement: Intervention 1: Dietary Supplement - Caffeine SupplementParticipants receive a caffeine supplement only. |
| Caffeine + L-Theanine Arm | Experimental | Dietary Supplement: Intervention 2: Dietary Supplement - Caffeine + L-Theanine SupplementParticipants receive a combination of caffeine and L-theanine supplements. |
| Caffeine + Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercises Arm | Experimental | Behavioral: Intervention 3: Dietary Supplement - Caffeine Supplement + Diaphragmatic Breathing ExercisesParticipants receive a caffeine supplement and perform diaphragmatic breathing exercises. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 30 years
- Sex
- Male only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (10 listed)
- Male esports players aged 18-30.
- Actively involved in esports for at least 6 hours per week for a minimum of 6 months.
- Low caffeine consumption (less than 80 mg per day).
- Low L-theanine consumption (less than 100 mg per day).
- Non-smokers or those who do not use tobacco products.
Key exclusion criteria (8 listed)
- Use of stimulant medications.
- History of upper extremity surgery.
- Diagnosed neurological, visual, or auditory disorders.
- Allergy to caffeine or L-theanine.
- Use of drugs or performance-enhancing supplements within the past month.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Intervention 1: Dietary Supplement - Caffeine SupplementParticipants in this group will receive a caffeine supplement (3 mg/kg body weight) taken orally 45 minutes before performance testing. No additional interventions will be administered. | Dietary supplement | Caffeine Only Arm |
| Intervention 2: Dietary Supplement - Caffeine + L-Theanine SupplementParticipants in this group will receive a caffeine supplement (3 mg/kg body weight) along with L-theanine in a 1:2 ratio taken orally 45 minutes before performance testing. | Dietary supplement | Caffeine + L-Theanine Arm |
| Intervention 3: Dietary Supplement - Caffeine Supplement + Diaphragmatic Breathing ExercisesParticipants in this group will receive a caffeine supplement (3 mg/kg body weight) 45 minutes before performance testing, followed by a 10-minute session of diaphragmatic breathing exercises. | Behavioural | Caffeine + Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercises Arm |
Primary outcome
Reaction Time
Time frame: Reaction time will be assessed immediately before each intervention and at two time points after each intervention (at 45 minutes and 2 hours post-intervention) on each of the three study days.
The time it takes for participants to respond to visual and auditory stimuli during gaming, measured in milliseconds using Aim Lab and other standardized reaction time tests.
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 1 Oct 2024.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 42176572Arslan S, Akcay B, Turkmen OB, Mutlu EK. Synergistic effects of caffeine, l-theanine, and diaphragmatic breathing on esports performance: A randomized controlled crossover trial. Nutr Res. 2026 Jul;151:26-36. doi: 10.1016/j.nutres.2026.04.007. Epub 2026 Apr 23.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. No, there is no plan to share IPD with other researchers.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Intervention 1: Dietary Supplement - Caffeine Supplement, Intervention 2: Dietary Supplement - Caffeine + L-Theanine Supplement and Intervention 3: Dietary Supplement - Caffeine Supplement + Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercises in people with Esports and Caffeine, run by Hacettepe University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 10 inclusion and 8 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 1 Oct 2024. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Reaction Time (time frame: Reaction time will be assessed immediately before each intervention and at two time points after each intervention (at 45 minutes and 2 hours post-intervention) on each of the three study days.). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT06621797, which also lists 1 linked publication.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 1 Oct 2024.