No rest for the stimmed: energy from caffeine or caffeine et al.?

Background The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of an energy drink vs. a caffeine-matched control on mental and physical performance.Methods Using a randomized, double-blind design (n = 62), subjects were assigned to an energy drink (Ghost®) or a caffeine-matched control (200 mg caffeine). The following assessments were conducted before and approximately 45 minutes after consuming an energy drink or caffeine-matched control: psychomotor vigilance test (PVT), CNS Tap Test, handgrip strength, and POMS.Results Table 1 shows the subject demographics. There were no significant differences between the treatment and control for any of the assessments. Both groups improved in the total mood disturbance score; in addition, treatment improved in the CNS Tap Test. However, there were no between-group differences for any of the other assessments.Conclusions Consuming the energy drink or caffeine-matched control resulted in an improvement in the total mood disturbance. In addition, consuming the energy drink significantly improved the CNS Tap Test score. However, there were no between-group differences for any of the measures. Thus, it is ostensible that any effect of an energy drink is likely due primarily to caffeine itself.