Effects of modafinil on physiological and perceptual responses during exercise

Abstract

Modafinil (M) belongs to a new class of drugs which elicit "arousal" properties similar to amphetamines, but with less potent side-effects. One aim of this study was to confirm that acute treatment with M (4mg⋅kg\sp−1) would have an ergogenic effect on high intensity exercise performance. Eight males cycled to exhaustion at 85% VO\sb2 max after both M and placebo (P) treatments, using a double-blind experimental design. M prolonged time to exhaustion by 10-15%. The mechanism responsible for this effect is most likely related to a mechanism of action in the CNS that enhanced the level of arousal and vigilance. A second objective was to assess whether M would cause an overconfidence effect (i.e. a self-appraised overestimation of actual performance abilities) and enhanced cognitive performance. Seventeen subjects who participated in this experiment were randomly treated with M and P after familiarization trials. M did not cause an overconfidence effect, nor show any disturbance in self-monitoring ability. Moreover, M significantly shortened reaction time and consequently enhanced cognitive efficiency. In conclusion, M was well tolerated and had positive effects on physical and cognitive performance.