Effects of Caffeine Ingestion on Human Standing Balance: A Systematic Review of Placebo-Controlled Trials

Abstract

Caffeine ingestion may influence balance control via numerous mechanisms. Although previously investigated using various study designs and methods, here we aimed to create the first evidence-based consensus regarding the effects of caffeine on the control of upright stance via systematic review (PROSPERO registration CRD42021226939). Embase, PubMed/MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus and Web of Science databases were searched on 27 January 2021 to identify placebo-controlled trials investigating caffeine-induced changes in human standing balance. Reference lists of eligible studies were also searched. Overall, nine studies involving a total of 290 participants were included. All studies were moderate to strong in quality according to the QualSyst tool. Balance-related outcome measures were collected across a range of different participant ages, stances and sensory conditions. The results show that younger participants’ balance was generally unaffected by caffeine ingestion. However, a significant balance impairment was observed following caffeine ingestion in all studies involving older participants (average age >65 years). Our results therefore suggest an age-dependent effect of caffeine ingestion on human standing. Further research into this effect is warranted as only one study has directly compared younger and older adults. Nonetheless, an important implication of our findings is that caffeine ingestion may increase fall risk in older adults. Furthermore, based on our findings, caffeine ingestion should be considered as a potential confounding factor when assessing human standing balance, particularly in older adults.

The dose-dependent effect of caffeine supplementation on performance, reaction time and postural stability in CrossFit – a randomized placebo-controlled crossover trial

“…Unfortunately, there are no other studies on the effect of CAF on balance with regard to exercise performance tests. Results of the systematic review by Briggs et al [ 11 ] on the effects of CAF ingestion on human standing balance indicated that younger participants’ balance was generally unaffected by CAF ingestion. Nevertheless, a significant impairment was observed in older participants.…”

“…Muscular function and cognition aspects, like perception and attention, enhanced after CAF ingestion may positively affect postural stability (P Stab ). On the other hand, balance may be impaired by CAF via postural disturbances caused by stimulating effects of ventilation [ 11 ].…”

Dietary Supplements and Natural Products: An Update on Their Clinical Effectiveness and Molecular Mechanisms of Action During Accelerated Biological Aging

“…However, short- and long-term caffeine consumption’s therapeutic or beneficial results are far from unequivocal since studies demonstrate conflicting benefits for caffeine intake on cognitive disorders and cognition ( Zhou and Zhang, 2021 ). Even some report indicates that high caffeine consumption can exacerbate generalized anxiety disorders and left-ventricular function ( Nwabuo et al, 2020 ) and may also elevate fall risk in older adults ( Briggs et al, 2021 ). In yeast, coffee infusions remarkably extended their chronological lifespan.…”