This randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled, four-condition crossover study evaluates the acute effects of caffeine gum (\~3 mg/kg) and nicotine gum (4 mg) on balance performance in healthy, trained adults. Each participant completes four test visits (caffeine gum, nicotine gum, xylitol-based placebo gum, and no-gum control) separated by ≥24 hours. Static and dynamic balance are assessed using the ProKin 252 system under standardized procedures. The primary outcomes are postural sway (ellipse area) and center-of-pressure path length over predefined test trials/time frames. The objective is to determine whether acute administration of these stimulants alters balance-related performance relative to placebo and control.
Who can participate
Age range18 Years – 30 Years
SexALL
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Inclusion criteria
✓. Be healthy, with no diagnosed neurological or musculoskeletal disorders
✓. Be physically active and have at least 3 years of regular training history
✓. Be between 18 and 30 years of age
✓. Have no balance impairments or vestibular issues
✓. Be non-smoker or not using tobacco during study days
✓. Able to comply with the intervention protocols and attend all test sessions
✓. Provide written informed consent
Exclusion criteria
✕. Training age less than three years,
✕. Having a disease or sports injury that will affect balance performance,
✕. Using a drug or substance that affects balance,
✕
What they're measuring
1
Static Postural Sway Ellipse Area - ProKin 252 Stabilometric Platform
Timeframe: At each visit: 5 minutes after start of chewing (caffeine gum), 30 minutes after start of chewing (nicotine gum), 20 minutes after start of chewing (xylitol placebo gum), and 0 minutes (no gum) for the control condition; single 30-second trial per visit