Caffeine's influence on critical flicker frequency thresholds

Caffeine's effect on the visual system was investigated. Twelve male and twelve female subjects (aged 18 - 25 years) were measured for Critical Flicker Frequency (CFF) thresholds at 15 levels of retinal illuminance (-1.0 to 3.0 log trolands) in each of four caffeine dosage conditions (0, 200mg, 400mg, 600mg). Variables of interest included dosage, gender, left and right eye differences, and time after ingestion. Significant results were found for dosage (p=.000), gender (p=.001), and eye differences (p=.000). Interactions were found for gender and dosage (p=.000), and gender and eye differences (p=.043). Implications of these findings are discussed in terms of caffeine's effect on the Central Nervous System (CNS) and corresponding effects on the visual system. It is concluded that ingestion of caffeine causes increased sensitivity of the visual system as displayed through lower Critical Flicker Frequency thresholds.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science

Level thesis:degree_level

masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Psychology

Department dc:contributor.department

Psychology

Grantor dc:publisher

Virginia Tech

Year dc:date.issued

1994

Author dc:creator

• Simeroth, John P.

Statement dc:rights

• In Copyright

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Language dc:language.iso

en

Dc Identifier Other

etd-04072009-040629

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/41927