Clinical Research Directory

Effects of Long-Duration Spaceflight on General and Spatial Cognition and Its Neural Basis

This study investigates the effects of extended-duration spaceflight (12-month International Space Station missions) on general cognitive performance (measured with the Cognition test battery), spatial cognition, structural and functional brain changes in general, and hippocampal plasticity more specifically relative to the shorter 6-month and 2-month missions.

Predicting Declines in Attention and Memory During a Prolonged Mental Task

This study will investigate whether heart activity and changes in the skin's ability to conduct electricity can help predict performance during a demanding computer task. These signals reflect how the body responds to mental effort. The main question is whether measurements taken at rest and near the beginning of the task help predict later accuracy, beyond information about sleep the previous night, current sleepiness, and initial task performance. Healthy young adults will attend one visit lasting approximately 50-60 minutes. Participants will complete a questionnaire and wear sensors that record heart activity and skin responses. After a five-minute resting measurement, participants will learn a computer task involving letters and numbers. The task requires remembering the previous letter and deciding whether numbers are odd or even. A short calibration will adjust the presentation speed to each participant. Participants will then perform the task for 16 minutes at the selected speed and rate their fatigue and the demands of the task. After these ratings, participants will rest quietly for five minutes and repeat the task for four minutes at the same speed. The researchers will also examine how performance, fatigue, and body responses change during the task and after rest. The study is intended to improve understanding of sustained mental effort and is not a medical diagnostic assessment.

Effects of Caffeine on Chess Performance and Cognitive Function in Professional Chess Players

This study will examine whether caffeine improves cognitive and competitive performance in professional chess players during tournament-style games. In a randomized double-blind crossover design, participants will complete two experimental sessions in which they consume either caffeinated coffee or decaffeinated coffee before playing a standardized chess match. Cognitive performance will be assessed using attention and reaction-time tests, including the Stroop Test, Trail Making Test, and Puzzle Rush task. Chess performance outcomes such as move accuracy, time management, and error rates will also be evaluated. The study aims to determine whether moderate caffeine intake enhances focus, alertness, and decision-making during prolonged competitive chess play.

Placebo Effect on Cycling Performance: Laboratory Crossover Study

This study aims to determine the impact of the placebo (PLA) effect on physical and cognitive performance in a controlled laboratory setting. The study investigates how expectations and beliefs about substance intake (caffeine vs. placebo) interact with actual consumption to influence performance and physiological stress markers. Healthy adults (n = 80) will participate in four testing sessions using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design. Physiological stress markers (cortisol and alpha-amylase), heart rate, and performance metrics will be monitored during a standardized cycling exercise protocol. This phase provides the dense mechanistic data required to refine a mathematical model of the placebo effect, offering insights into how individual personality traits and cognitive anchoring influence psychophysiological potential.

A Clinical Trial to Investigate the Safety and Efficacy of AP-Brain on Cognitive Performance at Varying Dosages in Healthy Middle-aged and Older Adults With Self-reported Memory Problems

The goal of this clinical trial is to investigate the safety and efficacy of AP-Brain on cognitive performance at varying dosages in healthy middle-aged and older adults with self-reported memory problems. The main question it aims to answer is: What is the effect of AP-Brain at 1 g, 3 g, and 5 g on cognitive performance? Participants will be asked to consume AP-Brain at 1 g, 3 g, or 5g, or Placebo and asked to complete memory assessment questionnaires.

Phosphatidylserine, Taurine, and Caffeine for Cognitive Fatigue in Professional Football Players

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial evaluated neurocognitive fatigue resistance and football-specific decision-making following 28 days of taurine-caffeine supplementation with or without phosphatidylserine in professional male football players. Sixty-five male outfield football players from two professional clubs were randomized to placebo, taurine plus caffeine, or taurine plus caffeine plus phosphatidylserine. Neurocognitive fatigue resistance was evaluated during a standardized high-load Stroop/Flanker task, while football-specific tactical decision-making, visual-search behavior, and field-based reactive decision performance were assessed at baseline and after 28 days of supplementation.

Acute Effects of Active Breaks and Physically Active Learning in University Students

This multicenter randomized crossover study will examine the acute effects of four classroom break conditions on executive functions, immediate academic performance, perceived exertion, and interest-enjoyment in university students. Each participant will complete four experimental sessions in which a different 15-minute condition will be implemented: a sedentary free break, a sedentary academic review break, an active break without academic content, and physically active learning combining movement with academic review. Cognitive performance will be assessed before and after each session using Stroop and N-Back tasks. Academic performance, perceived exertion, and interest-enjoyment will be assessed after each experimental session.

Peanut Consumption on Cognitive, Weight, and Inflammation

A multi-school, two-arm parallel cluster-randomized controlled trial will be conducted in 200 healthy young adolescents from Barcelona (Spain) to evaluate the effect of peanut consumption on cognitive performance, weight management and inflammation. Schools willing to participate will be randomly assigned to either the intervention or the control group. After the recruitment, the participants will follow a peanut-free diet for two weeks. Both arms will receive a multidimensional educational intervention designed by the Gasol Foundation to promote healthy dietary habits based on Mediterranean diet recommendations, along with exercise performance, healthy sleeping habits and emotional knowledge. Half of the participants (intervention group) will consume 25 g of whole skin roasted peanuts as a daily snack to be incorporated into their diet for six months.

SJFT Performance, Inhibitory Control, and Attention in Young Judokas

This study will examine the relationship between judo-specific physical fitness and cognitive performance in young male judo athletes and will evaluate the immediate effects of the Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT) on attention and inhibitory control. Licensed male judo athletes who train regularly at least three days per week will be compared with male participants who do not actively participate in sports. Judo athletes will complete a standardized warm-up followed by the SJFT, a judo-specific high-intensity fitness test involving repeated throws performed over three short exercise periods separated by brief rest intervals. Heart rate will be measured immediately after the SJFT and again one minute later. Cognitive performance will be assessed using a computerized Flanker Task, which will measure reaction time and response accuracy while participants respond to relevant visual information and ignore distracting information. Judo athletes will complete the Flanker Task approximately one minute before and one minute after the SJFT. Participants in the control group will complete the same cognitive assessment twice over a similar time interval without performing the physical exercise. The study will aim to determine whether judo-specific physical fitness and judo experience are associated with attention and inhibitory control and whether a single high-intensity judo-specific exercise session will produce an immediate change in cognitive performance.

EEG-Guided Binaural Beat Audio to Reduce Performance-Related Stress and Improve Cognition

Performance-related stress can impair sustained attention, inhibitory control, and memory. This randomized, double-blinded, sham-controlled parallel-arm trial evaluates whether a 30-minute EEG-guided binaural beat audio intervention reduces subjective stress/performance anxiety and improves cognition, and whether it changes task-related brain reactivity measured by fMRI. The intervention uses real-time single-electrode EEG recorded over the left prefrontal cortex to dynamically adjust binaural beat frequencies to guide the brain toward a target state; the sham condition uses non-binaural music delivered through identical headphones. Adult music majors preparing for an upcoming concert will complete pre- and post-intervention fMRI sessions during cognitive/music tasks (Stop Signal Reaction Task, Music Reading Task, Music Memory Retrieval Task) and complete visual analog scales (VAS) assessing performance anxiety, stress, and related subjective states. The primary outcomes include fMRI task-related activity in stress-regulation regions (dlPFC, amygdala, hippocampus), behavioral inhibition indices from the stop-signal task, music memory retrieval accuracy, and VAS-reported stress/performance anxiety.

A Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Effects of Two Supplements on Cognitive Function, Cognitive Performance, and Mood

This study evaluates the effects of two liquid dietary supplements, BrainJuice Peach Mango (test product one) and BrainJuice ACTIVE Pomegranate Acai (test product two), on cognitive function, cognitive performance, and mood in healthy adults aged 18-57 who report concerns in these areas. The trial is a six-week, single-arm, open-label, virtual study enrolling 30 participants. Participants will consume test product one (2.5 oz once daily) during Weeks 1 and 2, undergo a washout period during Weeks 3 and 4, and then consume test product two (2.5 oz once daily) during Weeks 5 and 6. Cognitive function will be assessed via standardized computerized cognitive assessments at Baseline, Week 2, Week 4, and Week 6, while perceptions of cognitive function, cognitive performance, and mood will be captured through self-reported questionnaires at Baseline, Week 1, Week 2, Week 4, Week 5, and Week 6.

Use Muscadine Wine Nutraceuticals to Improve Brain Health, Cognition, and Mental Health

Previous studies have shown that polyphenol-rich foods can positively affect cognitive functions, memory, and mood in humans. We hypothesize that both acute and chronic intake of muscadine wine polyphenols will improve cognitive performance and mood through regulating the HPA axis, alleviating inflammation and oxidative stress, and/or inhibiting monoamine oxidase activities

Placebo Effect in Field-Based Physical Performance

This study aims to investigate the placebo (PLA) effect on physical performance across different sports disciplines in real-world, field-based settings. The study investigates how participant expectations and beliefs regarding caffeine (CAF) intake influence physical performance and psychomotor function outside the controlled laboratory environment. Healthy, physically active adults (n = 120) from diverse sports backgrounds will be randomly assigned to receive caffeine, placebo, or no intervention. Participants will perform discipline-specific field exercise tests (e.g., running-based protocols or repeated sprint protocols) while physiological responses are monitored using wearable technology. Physical performance outcomes and psychomotor responses will be analyzed to evaluate the real-world impact of the placebo effect and to distinguish the pharmacological effects of caffeine from those driven by psychological expectations across different athletic settings.

A Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Effects of a Supplement on Cognitive Performance

This study evaluates the effects of the Xula Herbs Mind Food supplement on cognitive performance in adults aged 25-70 who report difficulty concentrating, memory challenges, brain fog, and low productivity. The trial is a single-arm, open-label, virtual study conducted over 6 weeks in 35 participants. Participants will use the test product three times daily (sprayed three times under the tongue, at least 30 minutes before a meal, and not after 6 pm) for the duration of the study. Cognitive performance will be assessed via a Cognitive Battery Test at Baseline and Week 6, and self-reported questionnaires will be completed at Baseline, Week 2, Week 4, and Week 6.

Long-Term Effects of Walnut Consumption on Brain Function

Rationale: Healthy foods, including mixed nuts, may improve brain function, which is essential for cognitive and metabolic health, and may contribute to improved food intake regulation. It is therefore important to investigate the specific effects of walnuts on cerebral blood flow responses before and after intranasal insulin administration, as well as their associated functional benefits. The investigators hypothesize that long-term walnut consumption improves vascular function and insulin-sensitivity in the brain, thereby enhancing cognitive performance and appetite control in abdominally obese men and women. Objective: The primary objectives are to investigate in abdominally obese adults the effects of 24-week walnut consumption on (regional) vascular function and insulin-sensitivity in the brain, while the investigators will also assess changes in cognitive performance and appetite-related brain reward activity (secondary objectives). Cerebral blood flow responses before (brain vascular function) and after the administration of intranasal insulin spray (brain insulin-sensitivity) will be quantified by the non-invasive gold standard magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-perfusion method Arterial Spin Labeling (ASL). Study design: This intervention study will have a randomized, controlled parallel design. The total study duration will be 24 weeks. Study population: Fifty-five abdominally obese men and (postmenopausal) women (aged 45-75 years) without a history of cardiovascular diseases or complaints will participate. This study population is expected to have a decreased cerebral blood flow at baseline and are also at increased risk of cognitive impairment, allowing for improvement by the intervention. Intervention: Study participants will receive daily 50 g (about 15% of energy) of raw walnuts (walnut intervention) or no walnuts (control intervention) for 24 weeks. Main study parameters/endpoints: At baseline and after 24 weeks (follow-up), participants will visit the research facilities for assessments. The primary endpoint is the difference in the cerebral blood flow response before and after intranasal insulin administration between the walnut and control intervention. Cognitive performance will be assessed, while the investigators will also focus on appetite-related brain reward activity (secondary outcomes).

Visual Stimulus-Based Cognitive-Motor Agility Exercise in Older Adults

This randomized controlled trial examined the effects of adding a brief visual stimulus-based cognitive-motor agility exercise component to a multicomponent exercise program in community-dwelling older adults. Participants were randomized to either an experimental group or an active control group. Both groups participated in supervised multicomponent exercise sessions twice weekly for 8 weeks. Each session lasted 45 minutes. During the final 10 minutes of each session, the experimental group performed the visual stimulus-based cognitive-motor agility exercises, whereas the active control group performed time-matched low-intensity activities. The primary outcome was global cognitive performance assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Secondary outcomes included hand and foot visual-motor response time, visual working memory, and functional performance.

Determining Which Regions of the Brain Are Active During Flight Simulation at Separate Timepoints During Training

The overall objective is to identify the cognitive circuits associated with military aviator performance by analyzing what anatomic regions of the brain are functionally "active" (neuronal circuit) while being performing virtual flight simulations, the Precision Instrument Control Task (PICT). The flight simulation test will be conducted at two separate timepoints while the subject is receiving a Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) scan to evaluate which anatomic and functional brain function is associated with precise performance. By scanning at multiple time points we aim to quantify changes in functional and anatomic connectivity that occur throughout the course of training.

Examining the Efficacy of Short-Term Intensive PTSD Treatment on Psychological and Cognitive Impairment Symptoms

Our long-term goal is to provide rapid and sustained reductions of trauma and cognitive-related symptoms among Special Operations personnel with PTSD or subthreshold PTSD. The primary objective of this project is to examine the effectiveness of massed PTSD treatment (i.e., CPT and EMDR) in "real-world" military settings. CPT and EMDR are both empirically supported psychotherapies for PTSD. To accomplish this objective, we will enroll military personnel meeting diagnostic criteria for PTSD or subthreshold PTSD (i.e., meeting threshold levels for 3 of 4 symptom criteria).

Acute Effects of Moderate-Intensity Swimming Exercise on Inhibitory Control, Cognitive Flexibility, and Selective Attention

This randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the acute effects of a single session of moderate-intensity freestyle swimming exercise on cognitive performance in healthy young adults. Cognitive functions such as inhibitory control, selective attention, and cognitive flexibility are essential components of executive functioning and play an important role in academic, occupational, and daily activities. A total of 60 healthy adults aged 18-35 years will be randomly assigned to either an exercise group or a control group. Participants in the exercise group will complete a 30-minute session of moderate-intensity freestyle swimming, while participants in the control group will undergo passive seated rest for the same duration. Cognitive performance will be evaluated immediately before and after the intervention using the Eriksen Flanker Task and the Stroop Color-Word Test. These assessments measure reaction time, attention control, information processing speed, and inhibitory control. The study is designed to determine whether a single bout of swimming exercise can produce immediate improvements in executive functions compared with passive rest. Findings from this research may contribute to a better understanding of the relationship between aerobic exercise and cognitive performance and may help inform exercise-based strategies for enhancing cognitive health and performance in healthy individuals.

Effects of L-Theanine and Hericium Erinaceus Gummies on Psychological, Cognitive, and Sleep Quality in University Students

The THEA-HEAL Trial is an 8-week randomized controlled study investigating the effects of a daily gummy supplement containing L-theanine and Hericium erinaceus (Lion's mane mushroom) extract on stress, anxiety, cognitive performance, and sleep quality in university students in Malaysia. University life can be a stressful period associated with increased psychological distress, sleep problems, and difficulty concentrating. In this study, eligible participants aged 18-25 years were randomly assigned to either receive the active gummy supplement or no supplementation. The intervention group consumed gummies twice daily, providing a total daily dose of 180 mg L-theanine and 300 mg H. erinaceus extract. The main purpose of the study is to determine whether this nutraceutical combination can help reduce stress and anxiety and improve cognitive function and sleep quality compared with no supplementation. Additional outcomes include physical activity levels and dietary intake. Findings from this study may provide evidence on the potential role of functional food-based supplements in supporting mental well-being and cognitive health in young adults.

Cognitive Responses to Acute Breath-Hold Diving Training in Female Divers

This study aims to investigate the acute cognitive and physiological responses to breath-hold diving training in trained female divers. Participants will complete three separate sessions including a control session, a land-based breath-hold training session, and a water-based breath-hold training session in randomized order. Cognitive performance, mood state, heart rate responses, respiratory function, and maximal breath-hold capacity will be evaluated before and after the interventions. The study is expected to improve understanding of how acute apnea-based diving exercises influence cognitive functions and physiological adaptations under different environmental conditions.

Effects of Supplementation on Performance in Football Players

This study investigated the effects of short-term supplementation with taurine, caffeine, and phosphatidylserine on physical and cognitive performance in professional male football players. Eighty-one players were randomly assigned to one of three groups: placebo, taurine plus caffeine, or taurine plus caffeine combined with phosphatidylserine. Supplementation was administered for 10 days, with a final dose taken 60 minutes before a standardized 105-minute football training session. Primary and secondary outcomes included sprint performance, reaction time, GPS-derived locomotor variables, and technical and tactical performance indicators. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether combined multi-ingredient supplementation could improve performance and attenuate fatigue-related declines under match-like conditions.

Executive Functioning Training Study

Cognitive aging in people with HIV (PWH) is of increasing concern for several reasons: 1) between 52%-59% of PWH experience cognitive impairment known as HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorder (HAND) which impacts everyday functioning and quality of life; 2) HAND increases in severity and prevalence with age; and 3) 70% of PWH in the United States will be 50 and older by 2030. Fortunately, cognitive training programs can individually target specific cognitive impairments in PWH and possibly reduce the severity and prevalence of HAND and improve everyday functioning and quality of life. This approach is based around the underlying concept of intra-individual variability as controlled through higher level allocation of cognitive resources, known as executive functioning. This feasibility study will use a two-group pre-post experimental design of adults with HAND including: 1) a 20-hours of Executive Functioning Training group (enroll 60, n=48 with attrition), and 2) a no-contact control (enroll 60, n=48 with attrition). Aim 1 - Feasibility: To determine feasibility and acceptability of the intervention (i.e., attrition, feedback). Exploratory Aim 1 - Cognition: Compare adults who receive Executive Functioning Training to those who receive no training to determine whether they improve in global cognitive ability and overall cognitive IIV. This high impact study is innovative in the following ways: 1) This is the first study aimed to reduce cognitive IIV in PWH. 2) This is the first study to use IIV as a guide to target solely executive functioning training to improve global cognitive ability, which may reduce the severity and prevalence of HAND. 3) Over the last decade, the epicenter of HIV has emerged in the Deep South where this study will occur. Most participants in this study will be older PWH who identify as lower social economic status (SES) and/or African Americans and experience HAND symptoms.

Post-stroke Cognitive Impairment

Present study aims to track the post-stroke cognitive trajectories and to investigate its inter-individual variability.