Olfactory Effects on Attention Allocation and Perception of Exertion

Abstract

The aim of the current study was to test the effectiveness of pleasant odors on perception of exertion and attention allocation. A secondary purpose was to employ a placebo-control design and measure perceived smell intensity during task performance; methods that have been overlooked in previous olfaction studies in the sport and exercise domain. Seventy-six college students (35 females, 41 males) were recruited to perform a handgrip task. They were randomly assigned to one of 4 groups: control, placebo, lavender odor, and peppermint odor. Adhesive strips were placed under the noses of those in the latter three groups. The placebo group had a strip with no odor. The lavender and peppermint odor groups had a drop of concentration on the strip. After establishing a maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) level, participants performed at 30% of their MVC level for as long as they could tolerate, during which they provided ratings of perceived exertion (or effort; RPE), attention, and smell intensity at 30s intervals, and affect every 60s. MANOVA procedures failed to reveal significant differences among the treatment and nontreatment groups on rate of perceived exertion, attention allocation, and total time duration on the task. However, statistical differences were found between both odor groups and the placebo group on perceived attention diversion. The lavender group reported that the odor diverted attention to a higher degree than both the peppermint and placebo groups. Although nonsignificant, findings revealed a trend suggesting that odors may have an effect on cognitive processes, and on performance. There is a need for additional research to better capture these effects. Directions for further research, with an emphasis on methodological issues are outlined.

Prolonged Low-Level Exposure to the Aroma of Peppermint Essential Oil Enhances Aspects of Cognition and Mood in Healthy Adults

“…However, a later study found no effect of peppermint aroma on the physiological parameters: oxygen consumption, minute ventilation or respiratory exchange ratio during acute exercise [10]. Basevitch et al [11] published data suggesting that any impact on performance measures may be a consequence of the aromas effect on psychological rather than physiological variables. This contention is further supported by a study that reported decreased anxiety levels and improved performance (accuracy and consistency) on a dart throwing task for participants in a peppermint aroma condition [12].…”

To Focus or Not to Focus: Is Attention on the Core Components of Action Beneficial for Cycling Performance?

“…There is general agreement about the importance of studying how different attentional 3 strategies influence performance in sport and exercise settings (Basevitch et al, 2011; 4 Blanchfield, Hardy, de Morree, Staiano, & Marcora, 2014;Connolly & Tenenbaum, 2010; 5 Hutchinson & Razon et al, 2010; for a review, see Brick, MacIntyre, & 6 Campbell 2014). In this regard, previous research has shown that one's ability to self-regulate 7 attentional focus (e.g., attentional flexibility) is associated with the ability to sustain exertive 8 effort in endurance tasks (for a review, see Tenenbaum, 2005).…”

Attentional control in the attentional blink is modulated by odor

“…The testing room was the same for all participants, and they all underwent the exact same procedure. Peppermint and lavender odors were selected given their opposite effects on attentional state (Barker et al, 2003;Basevitch et al, 2011;Ho & Spence, 2005;Ilmberger et al, 2001;Moss et al, 2003). "De Tuinen" pure essential oils (De Tuinen Aromatherapie) of peppermint and lavender were used to generate the ambient aromas.…”

“…The stimulating aroma peppermint is supposed to increase arousal and induce a more focused attentional state, while lavender, a calming olfactory fragrance, is considered to induce relaxation and a broader attentional state (Barker et al, 2003;Basevitch et al, 2011;Ho & Spence, 2005;Ilmberger et al, 2001;Moss, Cook, Wesnes, & Duckett, 2003). Previous studies have looked into the allocation of attention in space, assuming (and showing) that a more focused or distributed state is associated with a smaller and broader spatial focus of attention, respectively (Dale & Arnell, 2010).…”