The Immediate Effect of Turkish Coffee on Postural Control and Hand-Eye Coordination.

Abstract

Background: Although several studies have explored the effects of various caffeine dosages on balance, the impact of low-dose caffeine intake from Turkish coffee on postural control and hand-eye coordination remains unclear.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the immediate effects of Turkish coffee (60 mg/65 mL) on postural control and hand-eye coordination.

Design: This study was a quasi-experimental research with a one-group pretest-posttest design.

Setting: Cardiac Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Research Laboratory.

Participants: The study recruited 20 healthy young adults (13 females, 7 males) who were low habitual coffee consumers.

Intervention: The participants were given 65 mL of Turkish coffee for oral caffeine intake.

Outcome measures: Postural control was assessed using the Biodex Balance System, and hand-eye coordination was evaluated with the Alternate Hand-Wall Toss Test, before and after 30 minutes following coffee ingestion.

Results: The 'eyes open firm surface' condition of the Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction in Balance (P = .006) and the Alternate Hand-Wall Toss Test (P = .002) scores showed a statistically significant difference between the first and second measurements. No significant differences were observed in the postural stability and limits of stability parameters measured by the Biodex Balance System (P > .05). However, male participants exhibited better hand-eye coordination on the Alternate Hand-Wall Toss Test upon caffeine intake (P = .017).

Conclusions: This study is likely the first to evaluate the acute effects of a cup of Turkish coffee (60 mg caffeine/65 mL) on postural control and hand-eye coordination. While no changes were found in balance conditions, improvement in postural sway on the firm surface with eyes open was noted. A significant improvement in hand-eye coordination was observed, warranting further research with objective tools.