A Prospective Study Evaluating the Effects of a Nutritional Supplement Intervention on Cognition, Mood States, and Mental Performance in Video Gamers

Abstract

Cognitive function is critical for successful prolonged performance in eSports. This double-blind placebo-controlled study examined the effect of an inositol-enhanced arginine silicate oral supplement on cognitive performance and energy in eSports athletes. Sixty healthy men and women who spent 5 or more hours a week playing video games were randomly assigned to take supplement or placebo for 7 days. On day 1 and 7, before and 15 min after dosing, subjects completed the Trail Making Test (TMT), Parts A and B; Stroop Test; and Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire, and then played a video game for 60 min. Immediately after, cognitive tests were repeated. Self-reported energy levels increased, anger decreased, and TMT-B test errors decreased in the supplement group compared to placebo (p < 0.05). Fatigue, TMT-B time, and TMT B-A score improved in the supplement group compared to baseline (p < 0.05). After 60 min of gaming, supplementation decreased Stroop Test errors and TMT-A time (p < 0.05). Adverse events were minimal and not different between groups. These data appear to support the use of the studies product (nooLVL®) in eSports gamers looking to improve their accuracy, decision making, and reaction time during gaming.

Intake of Seven Essential Amino Acids Improves Cognitive Function and Psychological and Social Function in Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial

“…The results demonstrated that attention and cognitive flexibility assessed by TMT-B was improved in the 6gIG, whereas no significant changes were observed in either the 3gIG or PCG. An effect of intervention on TMT-B was observed, and the 15-s improvement of 6gIG was similar to the intervention effects reported by previous intervention studies ( 32 , 33 ). The faster performance of the TMT-B suggests the improvement of the ability to concentrate on the task, pay attention to multiple tasks and memorize information needed for doing tasks, which is related with working memory.…”

Effects of Inositol-Enhanced Bonded Arginine Silicate Ingestion on Cognitive and Executive Function in Gamers

“…Similarly, Tartar et al [12] reported that 1-day and 7-days of 1600 mg of inositolenhanced bonded arginine silicate supplementation increased perceptions of energy and decreased TMT-B test errors compared to placebo. Additionally, fatigue, TMT-B time, and TMT-A score significantly improved from baseline while post-game TMT-A time improved with ASI + I supplementation.…”

“…This study examined whether inositol stabilized arginine silicate, a substance shown to increase arginine and NO levels, and whether additional inositol affects cognitive function, reaction time, and/or memory in experienced e-sport gamers following a 1-h gaming challenge. Given evidence in prior studies [4,11,12], we hypothesized that ingestion of ASI + I prior to a gaming challenge would affect cognitive function. Results of this study provide evidence that acute ASI + I ingestion improved primary outcomes of reaction time and working memory among e-sport gamers in several cognitive function related tests with no reported stimulant-related side effects.…”

“…In the first study, ASI supplementation (1500 mg/day for 3-days and 14-days) significantly improved the ability to perform complex cognitive tests requiring mental flexibility, processing speed and executive functioning. In the second study [12], adding 100 mg of inositol to the ASI significantly improved cognitive function and accuracy in gamers after playing video games for one hour. This purpose of this study was to expand on this work and determine whether ASI + I supplementation affects cognitive and executive function, and more specifically reaction time and working memory, in experienced gamers prior to and/or following a 1-h gaming challenge.…”

“…Two studies have evaluated the effects of ingesting ASI [11] and ASI + I [12] on cognitive function. In the first study, ASI supplementation (1500 mg/day for 3-days and 14-days) significantly improved the ability to perform complex cognitive tests requiring mental flexibility, processing speed and executive functioning.…”