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NCT Number: NCT07032454

Hand Reaction Speed and Manual Dexterity & Caffeine Dependence

This study aims to evaluate the effects of caffeine dependence on hand reaction time and fine motor skills in university students. By comparing individuals with high and low daily caffeine intake, the research will assess whether excessive caffeine consumption is associated with impaired upper extremity performance. Reaction speed will be measured using the Nelson Hand Reaction Time Test, and manual dexterity will be assessed with the Purdue Pegboard Test.

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Key information

Conditions

Healthy

Age range

18 year–30 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi

Istanbul, Üsküdar, 34668, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location status: Recruiting

Location contact

Esra Pehlivan, Associate Professor

CONTACT

[email protected]

02164189616

About this study

This observational study investigates the effects of caffeine dependence on hand reaction time and manual dexterity in young adults. Caffeine is a widely consumed psychoactive substance, and its excessive intake may influence motor and cognitive performance. University students aged 18 to 30 are recruited and divided into two groups based on daily caffeine consumption and diagnostic criteria from DSM-5/ICD-10: a high caffeine group (≥300 mg/day) and a low caffeine group (20-200 mg/day). Data are collected using the Caffeine Consumption Frequency Questionnaire and behavioral assessments conducted in a controlled laboratory environment. Hand reaction speed is measured with the Nelson Hand Reaction Time Test, while manual dexterity is assessed using the Purdue Pegboard Test. Sociodemographic data and caffeine consumption are gathered via online forms. The aim is to determine whether excessive caffeine intake is associated with changes in reaction time and fine motor skills. Statistical analyses include normality testing, group comparisons, and correlation analyses, with significance set at p<0.05. This study may provide new insights into the neuromotor effects of caffeine consumption in a university population.

Who can participate

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Age 18 to 30 years
  • Currently enrolled university students

Exclusion criteria

  • Neurological, vascular, orthopedic, acute or chronic conditions affecting hand function
  • History of wrist surgery or visible hand deformity

Treatment and study plan

High Caffeine Consumption

Other

Individuals consuming 300 mg or more of caffeine daily, meeting DSM-5/ICD-10 criteria for caffeine dependence.

Low Caffeine Consumption

Other

Individuals consuming caffeine within recommended levels (20-200 mg/day).

Primary outcomes

  1. Nelson Reaction Time Test

    Time frame: Within the study duration (1 month)

    The Nelson Reaction Time Test assesses visual motor response time using a dropped ruler. The score is recorded in milliseconds, with lower scores indicating faster (better) reaction time. The test does not use a fixed scale with minimum or maximum values, but typical results range from approximately 100 ms to 300 ms depending on age and condition. Higher scores indicate slower (worse) reaction time.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Purdue Pegboard Test

    Time frame: Within the study duration (1 month)

    The Purdue Pegboard Test evaluates manual dexterity and fine motor coordination. It consists of four subtests: right-hand, left-hand, both-hands, and assembly tasks. In the first three tasks, participants place as many pins as possible into holes on the board within 30 seconds using the specified hand(s). In the assembly task, participants assemble pegs, collars, and washers in sequence for 60 seconds. Scores are recorded as the number of pins or assembled parts placed correctly within the time limit. There is no fixed maximum score; however, higher scores indicate better manual dexterity and coordination.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Esra Pehlivan

CONTACT

[email protected]

05058527913

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Investigation of Hand Reaction Speed and Manual Dexterity in Young Adults With Caffeine Dependence

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Jun 24, 2025
Registry last updated
Jun 27, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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