Neurocognitive Effects of Extended-Release Methylphenidate in Healthy Adults

Completed · Early Phase 1 · Has a placebo group

Conditions studied: Healthy Adult Male and Female Volunteers

In brief

This study evaluated the effects of methylphenidate (MPH), a stimulant medication commonly used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), in healthy adults without ADHD. Although MPH is sometimes used by students and athletes to improve concentration or performance, its true benefits and risks in healthy individuals are uncertain. The purpose of this study was to determine whether short-term use of MPH improves thinking ability, physical performance, cardiovascular function, balance, muscle strength, or heart safety in healthy adults. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study, 28 healthy adult participants received either MPH (20 mg daily) or a placebo for 14 days, followed by a washout period and then the alternate treatment. Participants underwent repeated testing of heart rate, blood pressure, exercise capacity, balance, muscle strength, cognitive function, and heart electrical activity (ECG).

Key facts

Study ID

NCT07742631

Run by

University of Witwatersrand, South Africa

People needed

30

Starts

2023-02-06

Expected to finish

2024-04-15

Last updated by the study team

2026-08-03

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 50. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Healthy adults without a diagnosis of ADHD
• Age 18 to 50 years
• Willing to participate after being informed about the study
• Willing to receive both methylphenidate and placebo during the study period
• Willing to undergo non-invasive physiological, cognitive, cardiovascular, balance, and physical performance assessments
• Able to comply with all study procedures and visits

You may not qualify if…

• Current use of any medication that may affect cognitive performance, physical performance, electrocardiogram (ECG) findings, cardiovascular function, or balance
• Any medical, neurological, musculoskeletal, psychiatric, or other condition that may interfere with the safe or successful completion of study assessments and physical performance testing
• Any contraindication to methylphenidate administration

Where it is running

• University of the Witwatersrand — Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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