Effects of a Sports Bar on Concentration, Focus, and Mental Acuity as These Factors Apply to Precision-Related Sports Performance (2002)

Introduction: We tested a dimethylaminoethanol [DMAE], valerian root, kava kava, and L-tyrosine based edible bar to determine any influence on concentration, focus, mental acuity, and energy as they apply to precision-related sports performance. Methods: Ten subjects (5 males, 5 females) between the ages of 19 and 50 years old were recruited to participate in this prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled human clinical trial. Each subject performed three tests and completed a modified Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire on three separate occasions: once to establish their respective baseline data (self-control), and twice more following ingestion of an isocaloric high protein bar containing either inert ingredients (placebo) or the active ingredients (250 mg DMAE, 300 mg Valerian Root, 300 mg Kava Kava, and 375 mg L-tyrosine). Subjects received bars in double-blind fashion. The POMS questionnaire was used to assess any changes in energy levels and alertness. The three tests performed were used to measure accuracy in performance and included a putting test (20 attempts at 10 feet), tossing a tennis ball through a hoop 1 foot in diameter (20 attempts at 15 feet), and a dart throw (10 attempts at 10 feet). Each subject's raw scores were recorded and then added together for a total precision performance score out of 50 (per person). Results: When comparing the control (n = 10) to the placebo (n = 10), subjects did significantly better on the ball toss after taking the placebo (p = 0.0195). Subjects also had significantly higher scores on the ball toss after taking the product compared to the control (p = 0.0156). The mean of the overall performance precision score after taking the product was significantly higher than the mean of the self-control test (p = 0.0098). Additionally, there were notable trends in the comparison between the self-control test and the product test. The mean of the putting test after taking the product demonstrated a trend (i.e., p > 0.05 but < 0.1) toward a statistically significant improvement when compared with the control (p = 0.0859). A trend was also evident in the mean of the dart throw after taking the product. When compared with the control, those taking the product demonstrated a trend toward a statistically significant improvement (p = 0.0859). The mean of the putting accuracy test after taking product was significantly higher than the mean of the putting accuracy test after taking the placebo (p = 0.0254). Here, too, the mean of the total performance precision score was significantly higher than the mean of the placebo test (p = 0.0059). Discussion: The three performance tests used here are appropriate tests for measuring concentration, focus, and mental acuity as they apply to precision-related sports performance because dart-throwing, putting, and throwing a tennis ball through a hoop one foot in diameter are all mentally draining tasks which require significant concentration and focus. Raw scores were lower when subjects were not concentrating. Overall, subjects improved significantly after taking the product containing DMAE, valerian root, kava kava, and L-tyrosine as compared to both the placebo and the self-control. The individual test that demonstrated the greatest improvement in raw scores after supplementing with the product was the ball toss; however, both the putting test and the dart throwing test demonstrated trends toward statistical significance after supplementing with the product. Although this study did not demonstrate any improvement in energy level, it did show significant improvement in overall concentration, focus, and mental acuity as they apply to precision-related sports performance.