Alcohol Challenge
Study Code:AC
Sample:206 twin pairs
Start Date:Jan.1980
Status:Completed
Contact:David Smyth
More Info:QIMR only


In ~1980, Professor Martin conducted a study on 206 pairs of twins looking at the effects of an alcohol challenge. The study involved a general questionnaire, an Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ) and an alcohol challenge. The subjects were trained on apparatus as part of a battery of psychomotor tests. They were then given a measured dose of alcohol proportional to body mass and the psychomotor tests were readministered 3 times at hourly intervals.

Of the original 206 pair, 82 pair returned for a repeat experiment (36 male pairs and 46 female pairs) as part of the study protocol. The 206 pair were then targeted as part of the Canberra study but not all participated. Sydney is a follow up on the 206 Alcohol Challenge pairs conducted as a gradual process 10-12 years later. The SSAGA study sample also includes all Sydney pairs.

In 1997, all AC twins and their families were re-contacted and asked for a blood sample. Approximately 750 subjects supplied a blood smaple or a buccal swab.

The 1980 general questionnaire contained questions about:

  • Personal details
  • Alcohol
  • Smoking
  • Drugs
  • Zygosity of twins

The psychomotor battery included tests on:

  • Motor coordination (Vienna Determination Apparatus)
  • Body sway
  • Pursuit rotor
  • Arithmetic computation
  • Simple and complex reaction times
  • Physiological measures
  • Intoxication self-ratings and willingness-to-drive
  • Blood alcohol measurements