The influence of cereboost on mood, cognitive function, and simulated driving in professional race car drivers

Ferguson, D. P., Franca-Berthon, P., Williams, C. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4452-671X and Le Cozannet, R. (2025) The influence of cereboost on mood, cognitive function, and simulated driving in professional race car drivers. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 7. 1658468. ISSN 2624-9367 doi: 10.3389/fspor.2025.1658468

Abstract/Summary

Introduction: Race car driving is a physically and cognitively demanding sport requiring rapid decision-making under extreme conditions. While physical training and hydration strategies have been explored, few studies have investigated nutritional interventions to enhance cognitive or driving performance. This study examined the effects of Cereboost, an American Ginseng extract, on mood, cognitive function, and simulated driving performance in professional race car drivers. Methods: Fifty-eight licensed drivers completed a four-phase, within-subjects protocol (baseline, acute, chronic, and acute-on-chronic) involving 200 mg/day Cereboost supplementation. Assessments included validated mood questionnaires, cognitive testing via the Senaptec Sensory Station (spatial memory and split attention), and 30-minute sessions in a professional-grade racing simulator. Statistical analyses included ANOVA with Holm-Bonferroni corrections. Results: Cereboost had no statistically significant effects on mood or cognitive function after correction for multiple comparisons. However, acute-on-chronic supplementation significantly improved simulated driving performance, with a 3-second reduction in lap time and faster throttle application in corners (adjusted P = 0.000003, Cohen’s d = –1.274). Participants reported subjective improvements in mental acuity (97%) and driving performance (94%). Conclusion: While Cereboost did not significantly alter mood or cognitive test outcomes, sustained supplementation enhanced simulated driving performance in professional drivers. These findings suggest potential benefits of nootropic supplementation for motorsport performance, warranting further investigation in on-track settings.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://centaur.reading.ac.uk/id/eprint/124801
Identification Number/DOI	10.3389/fspor.2025.1658468
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Life Sciences > School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences > Department of Psychology Life Sciences > School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences > Nutrition and Health
Uncontrolled Keywords	driver science, cognitive function, American Ginseng, motorsports, supplements
Publisher	Frontiers Media SA
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