In a recent study, it was proven that Peppermint Essential Oil improves video game and athletic performance, as well as mood, pulse, and blood pressure levels. Professor Bryan Raudenbush and his students from the department of psychology at Wheeling Jesuit University professor’s study, “Effects of Peppermint Scent Distraction on Cognitive Video Game Performance: A Physiological Explanation,”[1] tested subjects’ performance while playing three Nintendo Wii Fit Plus Games. Records were recorded of overall playing performance with and without the presence of the scent of peppermint. This study concluded that players showed overall game improvement when peppermint was delivered through the nasal passages. These improvements demonstrated significantly higher scores, increased hits, distance completed, and stars. The outcome positively endorses the beneficial use of peppermint essential oil for increasing cognitive and hand/eye reactions. Contrary to those in the control group who didn’t inhale the peppermint oil, those who did exhibited no significant difference in pulse, nor did they report an increase in mental demand, stress, anxiety, or perceived effort.
An earlier study at the school, tested whether the scent of peppermint, as well as three separate olorfactory conditions (dimethyl sulfide, jasmine, or a non-odored control condition) would improve performance level.[2] The control group was made up of 40 collegiate athletes using a treadmill for 15 minutes. The athletes who inhaled the peppermint essential oil performed significantly better and also experienced far less fatigue than the other test groups. Additionally, their pulse rate and blood pressure measured below the other test groups.In a third controlled test, this time involving only 20 athletes, the aim was to measure changes in performance or mood when chewing different flavors of gum; peppermint, fruity, cinnamon, flavorless gum, or a no gum at all.[3] The athletes were also subjected to walking on a treadmill for 15 minutes. This test resolved that there was no marked difference in either performance level or vital signs. When taste and smell studies were compared, it was concluded that the scent of peppermint profoundly enhances mood and physiological endurance than any other substance tested.
Next time you go to the gym, be sure to dab a bit of peppermint essential oil on a bandanna that you can tie around your neck or place it in your shirt pocket in order to inhale its stimulating effects and thus gain maximum performance. This is only a suggestion, but for an investment of only a few dollars, it is likely to do wonders for your workout experience.
Written by Brenne Meirowitz, BA, MA, MS
[1] “Students take their research on the road,” Wheeling Jesuit University, Inc. Sept. 20, 2010, http://www.wju.edu/about/adm_news_story.asp?iNewsID=3376&strBack=/Default.asp
(accessed January 10, 2011).
[2] Phillip Zoladz & Robert Fronckoski, “Orthonasal vs. Retronasal Odorant Administration and Athletic Performance,” Wheeling Jesuit University, Inc.
http://www.wju.edu/academics/symposium/2003abstracts.asp
(accessed January 10, 2011).
[3] “Student research and scholarship symposium 2003 abstracts,” Wheeling Jesuit University, Inc.
http://www.wju.edu/academics/symposium/2003abstracts.asp
(accessed January 10, 2011).