Smith, Andrew  ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8805-8028
2025.
Effects of mild upper respiratory tract illnesses and sucking peppermints on mood and performance.
World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Studies
14
(5)
, pp. 19-29.
10.20959/wjpps20255-29750
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Abstract
Background: The aetiology and pathogenesis of mild upper respiratory tract illnesses (MURTIS) are well known. These illnesses lead to malaise, which impairs performance and leads to a more negative mood. A specific mechanism that could underlie malaise, the role of sensory afferent stimulation, was examined in the present study by having volunteers suck peppermints. Methods: Eighty-one participants completed the study (duration 10 weeks), 17 developed MURTIS, and the others were retested as healthy controls. Results: The results confirmed that having a MURTI was associated with reduced alertness, slower reaction times and slower velocity of eye movements. Sucking a peppermint was associated with increased alertness in both those with MURTIS and those who remained healthy. There were no significant effects of sucking a peppermint on the performance tasks. Conclusion: The results confirm that MURTISlead to reduced alertness and impaired psychomotor speed. Sucking a peppermint increased alertness but did not remove the performance impairments.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Status: | Published |
| Schools: | Schools > Psychology |
| Subjects: | B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology |
| Publisher: | www.wjpps.com |
| ISSN: | 2278-4357 |
| Date of First Compliant Deposit: | 4 May 2025 |
| Date of Acceptance: | 21 April 2025 |
| Last Modified: | 13 Jun 2025 16:30 |
| URI: | https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/178059 |
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