Status : Verified
| Personal Name | Dayro, Maria Angela R. |
|---|---|
| Resource Title | Examining sex differences in the acute effect of cocoa consumption on simple reaction time of collegiate fencing athletes |
| Date Issued | January 2026 |
| Abstract | An increasing body of research suggests that cocoa (Theobroma cacao) has cognitive-enhancing properties, due to its high quantities of bioactive chemicals such as flavonoids and methylxanthines. These chemicals are linked to increased cerebral blood flow, enhanced neuronal efficiency, and improved cognitive function. While cocoa's physiological benefits have been studied in general populations, few research has evaluated its potential ergogenic effects on athletes, particularly in terms of reaction time. The purpose of this study is to examine the acute effects of cocoa consumption on college fencing competitors' simple reaction time (SRT). This open-skill combat sport requires rapid cognitive and motor reactions for performance. In a randomized crossover design, twenty (N=20) varsity fencers consumed: 15 g non-alkalized cocoa (high dose), 5 g non-alkalized cocoa (low dose), and a water-only control condition in separate sessions. ReactionX Training Lights was used to test reaction times before and two hours after consumption. The findings indicated that high-dose cocoa consumption improved the reaction time of collegiate fencing athletes, suggesting an acute enhancement in neural processing speed that is attributed to its higher quantities of bioactive content. No sex-related differences were observed. Although the effects in reaction time were subtle, these acute changes support cocoa’s potential as a nutritional strategy for sports requiring fast cognitive-motor responses. |
| Degree Course | Bachelor of Sports Science |
| Language | English |
| Keyword | cocoa consumption; bioactive compounds; simple reaction time; fencing; reaction training lights; neuromuscular function |
| Material Type | Thesis/Dissertation |
Preliminary Pages
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Category : F - Regular work, i.e., it has no patentable invention or creation, the author does not wish for personal publication, there is no confidential information.
Access Permission : Open Access