Givaudan-Roure Lecture - Association for Chemoreception Sciences

109 Poster [ ] Clinical Evaluation and Consumer Research
COMPUTERIZED HISTORY OF OLFACTORY
DYSFUNCTION
Cornelia H. 1, Landis B.N. 2, Frasnelli J. 1, Hummel T. 1 1ORL, University
of Dresden Medical School, Dresden, Germany; 2ORL, University
Hospital of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
The patient´s/subject´s history is an integral part of investigations on
human olfactory sensitivity. Numerous ways are being employed to
obtain information from subjects/patients. Based on Filemaker
Developer 6.0 (R), the current exercise aimed to produce a relatively
short, computerized questionnaire which allows subjects/patients to
enter their data directly into a database in a controlled fashion. Further,
a separate section is availbale for the examiner to enter data with regard
to drug intake, qualitative olfactory dysfunction, results of
chemosensory testing, results from nasal endoscopy, treatment etc. A
different set of questions is available for return visits. In addition, the
present approach combines this database with software for the
computerized testing of olfactory thresholds (triple-forced choice,
single staircase), odor discrimination (triple forced choice, 16 triplets)
and odor identification (mutiple forced choice, 16 items). In a clinical
context, the database allows to create a quick overview across changes
of olfactory function over time. It is hoped that this approach will
eventually lead to more complete information from subjects/patients.
Further, it is hoped that this approach will help to standardise
information that is obtained at different centers.
110 Poster [ ] Clinical Evaluation and Consumer Research
CLINICAL TEST OF OLFACTION BASED UPON A MEMS-
MICROVALVE OLFACTOMETER.
Hastings L. 1, Wilson T. 1 1Osmic Enterprises, Inc., Cincinnati, OH
We describe the development of a clinical test for the assessment of
olfactory function which incorporates state-of-the-art Micro-Electro-
Mechanical Systems (MEMS) microvalves. These minature, discrete
devices form the basis of the MEMS olfactometer, a relatively small,
inexpensive device capable of producing 40 or more discrete odor
stimuli. Moreover, the MEMS olfactometer will have the capacity for
generating the stimuli necessary for a large number of trials (>100).
This capability can be replenished by replacing inexpensive odor
cartridges. The initial test selected for development is an odor
identification test, the paradigm most frequently used to assess
olfactory function. The test, called the OLFACT (OLfactory Function
Assessment by Computerized Testing) will be enhanced by inclusion of
pictures, along with words, in the description of test item choices. The
presentation of the test items, along with scoring of the test, and
recording of all pertinent data will be totally computerized. Norms for
the test will be developed and compared with standardized norms
already available for other commercial tests. Finally, the test will be
enhanced to run on the WWW as a Web application. Once a MEMS
olfactometer has been attached to a computer linked to the WWW,
administration of the tests can be authorized over the Web. Anonymous
data can also be collected via the Web for inclusion into a centralized
database. This test will provide a comprehensive and sensitive system
for evaluating the sense of smell at a lower cost while providing greater
utility than current tests. Supported by NIH grant DC 06369
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111 Poster [ ] Clinical Evaluation and Consumer Research
HEART RATE CHANGES DURING ODORANT
ADMINISTRATION: PROMOTION OF "COOL-DOWN" AND
RECOVERY IN COLLEGE ATHLETES
Smith J. 1, Raudenbush B. 1 1Psychology, Wheeling Jesuit University,
Wheeling, WV
An often under-addressed aspect of athletic training, and even casual
exercise, is the proper amount of time for "cool-down" and recovery.
However, when an ample recovery period is not available, the
likelihood of injury and overtraining increases while athletic
performance decreases. Previous research has shown that odorants can
affect one's mood, motivation, and task performance. Moreover,
peppermint odor is linked to enhanced athletic performance, while
jasmine odor is a proven sleep aid. These unique odorant characteristics
led to their inclusion within the present experiment in an attempt to
determine whether jasmine and peppermint odors can enhance athletic
recovery. In a within-subjects design, twenty athletes performed a
modified version of the Bruce Stress Test Protocol on a treadmill for 15
minutes and then completed push-ups until exhaustion. Following 10
minutes of "cool-down" stretching in a peppermint, jasmine, or no-odor
condition, physiological data were recorded and the participant
completed questionnaires related to workload demands and mood. In
addition, level of vigor was rated over the following twelve hours.
Jasmine odor significantly reduced athletes' heart rate following the
"cool-down" period compared to the non-odorized control condition.
Such a finding supports the hypothesis that odorants may have a
substantial role in naturally and safely expediting recovery from
physical exertion. This study was funded by a grant from NASA to B.
Raudenbush.
112 Poster [ ] Clinical Evaluation and Consumer Research
EFFECTS OF PEPPERMINT ODOR ADMINISTRATION ON
AUGMENTING BASKETBALL PERFORMANCE DURING
GAME PLAY
Raudenbush B. 1, Smith J. 1, Graham K. 1, Mc Cune A. 2 1Psychology,
Wheeling Jesuit University, Wheeling, WV; 2Physical Therapy,
Wheeling Jesuit University, Wheeling, WV
Previous research indicates that inhaling peppermint odor prior to
and during athletic activity increases strength, speed, and endurance. It
has also been found to reduce fatigue, perceived effort, and perceived
frustration, and increase levels of vigor and motivation. However,
assessment of peppermint odor efficacy has yet to be performed during
actual physical game play. The present study was designed to assess
whether the degree to which athletes inhale peppermint odor affects
such aspects as motivation, energy, fatigue, reaction time, confidence,
and performance during the course of a basketball season. Male and
female Division II basketball players were provided with a peppermint
inhaler (Peak PerformanceTM Sports InhalerTM) for use during
practice and game play. Level of inhalant use constituted group
composition for data analysis. Higher levels of inhalant use were
associated with increased motivation, energy, speed, alertness, reaction
time, confidence, and strength. Levels of fatigue and frustration were
lower in the high-use group. In addition, athletes' ratings of their
competitive advantage over opponents and ratings of overall
performance were enhanced. Implications are particularly salient in
regards to augmenting a variety of factors related to athletic
performance using an all-natural, non-pharmacological ergogenic aide.