CAFFEINE INFLUENCE ON THE MOTOR STEADINESS BATTERY IN NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL TESTS

Caffeine is a widely used drug with various biological effects. The pr esent investigation focuses on a possible influence of caffeine upon m otor steadiness performance in tests routinely used in neuropsychologi cal testing. Twenty-four healthy females between 23 and 38 years were investigated in a randomised double-blind crossover study. A significa ntly poorer motor steadiness performance was found after ingestion of 300 mg of caffeine as compared to a placebo (decaffeinated coffee). Bo th error time and error count were increased after caffeine consumptio n. Caffeine also tended to reduce maze coordination test performance. We conclude that caffeine intake preferably should be avoided before n europsychological testing of motor steadiness.