13 replies to this topic

[Declmem]

I'm experimenting with ways to objectively measure the value of supplements for me, going to the exent of creating a personal MySQL database on my system, and logging daily values such as reaction time, memory, and so on. Once I get enough data I can analyze for trends.

Here's an interesting and surprisingly objective test of reaction time: http://www.humanbenc...ntime/index.php

Any other quick tests you can recommend? Post them here!

[chilp]

I'm experimenting with ways to objectively measure the value of supplements for me, going to the exent of creating a personal MySQL database on my system, and logging daily values such as reaction time, memory, and so on. Once I get enough data I can analyze for trends.

Here's an interesting and surprisingly objective test of reaction time: http://www.humanbenc...ntime/index.php

Any other quick tests you can recommend? Post them here!

I ranked #71. Still I don't really see what kind of supplements would increase reaction time...

[luv2increase]

I'm experimenting with ways to objectively measure the value of supplements for me, going to the exent of creating a personal MySQL database on my system, and logging daily values such as reaction time, memory, and so on. Once I get enough data I can analyze for trends.

Here's an interesting and surprisingly objective test of reaction time: http://www.humanbenc...ntime/index.php

Any other quick tests you can recommend? Post them here!

I ranked #71. Still I don't really see what kind of supplements would increase reaction time...

nootropics will increase cognitive processing which will ultimately increase reaction time

[Declmem]

So far the roughly month's worth of data I've collected has been quite interesting. Some supplements will increase concentration but decrease reaction time, increase energy but decrease recall, and so on. But, I admit I've been focusing mostly on short-term reactions, and the data size at this point is pretty limited. And, I'm trying to find a variety of tests to measure various mental faculties.

Now I've dropped most supplements for a while to establish a baseline.

If anyone wants to do something similar, let me know and I'm happy to help out getting people set up with personal MySQL server. It's free, and pretty easy to use with the right utilities. (You could also use Excel, but IMO a real database is better for this kind of analysis).

[Shepard]

Your data is going to suspect at best. You would have to control for diet, activity, sleep, stress, emotional state, etc. to have any kind of convincing argument.

[Declmem]

Not making an argument for or against anyone else's use of supplements. This is an objective measure of my own reaction to supplements, taking into account my own bioindividuality. I've personally found my own subjective reactions very unreliable, so I'm trying to use a more scientific and data-centric method (such as it is). I will not be releasing this data to the public. This was inspired by the Freakonomics column on Seth Roberts.

I am logging sleep hours, sleep interruptions, diet and self scoring stress level and many other factors. I'll try to control for as many variables as possible.

If you have any ideas I would be thankful for them.

Edited by Declmem, 14 August 2008 - 09:16 PM.

[hamishm00]

oK, I'm averaging 212 in the last 10 tries. worst 230, best 205.

I'm going to do a supp stack and see if anything happens:

1500mg piracetam
800mg oxiracetam
800mg aniracetam
500mg CDP choline
630mg Green Tea Extract
coffee

This is pretty pointless, but let's see if anything happens. Not saying the noots are helping, it could be anything.

i reckon modafinil would be the best for this BTW.

[hamishm00]

easily getting into the 180s now. hehehe

[hamishm00]

36. afrcn 11 hours ago 5 193.8
37. OKTHUNDER 18 hours ago 12 194.7
38. OKTHUNDER 18 hours ago 5 194.8
39. Otzelmotz 21 hours ago 5 196.6
40. Otzelmotz 21 hours ago 5 197.8
41. hamishm00 just seconds ago 5 198.4
42. Otzelmotz 21 hours ago 5 201.0
43. jimbroof 3 hours ago 15 201.9
44. hamishm00 4 minutes ago 5 203.4
45. hamishm00 10 minutes ago 5 207.6
46. Otzelmotz 21 hours ago 5 207.6
47. darkdevil 1 day ago 5 209.8
48. Otzelmotz 21 hours ago 5 210.8
49. r3dst4h 10 hours ago 5 212.4
50. darkdevil 1 day ago 5 214.2
51. REV93 54 minutes ago 5 229.6
52. darkdevil 1 day ago 9 232.4
53. darkdevil 1 day ago 5 233.0
54. hamishm00 30 minutes ago 5 235.8 [immediately prior to noot stack]
55. Otzelmotz 21 hours ago 5 238.6
56. chilp 16 hours ago 5 296.8
57. burkey 1 hour ago 5 343.6
58. burkey 1 hour ago 5 373.2


I'm not saying noots have done this, but this is just what happened.

Edited by hamishm00, 15 August 2008 - 11:55 AM.

[jCole]

15. jCole.Imm... 1 minute ago 5 170.2

I play too many video games... will try again once I get some coffee in me...

Haha...


:edit:

Daily stack generally is split between morning, noon and evening.

1200 mg Piracetam
250 mg CDP Choline
500 mg ALCAR
100 mg R-ALA


Have yet to take these this morning tho, hehe.... just woke up.

Edited by jCole, 15 August 2008 - 02:23 PM.

[Shepard]

184ms

1 cup of coffee

[jCole]

Ok, after my above Noot stack & 50mg of Modafinil & 1 cup of coffee...


1st try:

11. jCole.Imm... 19 seconds ago 5 164.6


So definitely some improvement... will try again after my nooner reup.

[StrangeAeons]

36. afrcn 11 hours ago 5 193.8
37. OKTHUNDER 18 hours ago 12 194.7
38. OKTHUNDER 18 hours ago 5 194.8
39. Otzelmotz 21 hours ago 5 196.6
40. Otzelmotz 21 hours ago 5 197.8
41. hamishm00 just seconds ago 5 198.4
42. Otzelmotz 21 hours ago 5 201.0
43. jimbroof 3 hours ago 15 201.9
44. hamishm00 4 minutes ago 5 203.4
45. hamishm00 10 minutes ago 5 207.6
46. Otzelmotz 21 hours ago 5 207.6
47. darkdevil 1 day ago 5 209.8
48. Otzelmotz 21 hours ago 5 210.8
49. r3dst4h 10 hours ago 5 212.4
50. darkdevil 1 day ago 5 214.2
51. REV93 54 minutes ago 5 229.6
52. darkdevil 1 day ago 9 232.4
53. darkdevil 1 day ago 5 233.0
54. hamishm00 30 minutes ago 5 235.8 [immediately prior to noot stack]
55. Otzelmotz 21 hours ago 5 238.6
56. chilp 16 hours ago 5 296.8
57. burkey 1 hour ago 5 343.6
58. burkey 1 hour ago 5 373.2


I'm not saying noots have done this, but this is just what happened.

ever heard of the priming effect???

[bgwithadd]

I've been trying like crazy to come up with a simple, repeatable self test for focus and/or drive. Unfortunately I am at a complete standstill thinking of one. I'm open to any ideas - it could help me dramatically improve my life because then I could tell what's working and to what degree.