Effect of Caffeine‐Dextrose on Flxatlonal and Reading Efficiency

Abstract

Fourteen male optometry students were tested under control conditions (taking neither stimulant nor placebo) on reading comprehension, duration (speed), total number of fixations, and span of fixation. They then were divided randomly into two equal groups. One group ingested two tablets, each containing 200 mg caffeine alkaloid and 150 mg of dextrose; the other, two placebo tablets containing sugar and pepper. Results showed no difference between the two control groups, indicating about equal base for initiating the experimental procedure, and no difference between control and placebo, reflecting the ineffectiveness of this placebo as a stimulant. Significant difference between control and caffeine-dextrose appeared in three of the four efficiency measures, implying a need for still higher dosage to bring out significant improvement in duration. Significant difference between the two experimental mean-percent improvements indicated that caffeine-dextrose, at the present composition and dosage, does enhance the fixational and reading efficiency.