Yuka Saeki
Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
Title: Effect of the scent of peppermint on work efficiency
Biography
Biography: Yuka Saeki
Abstract
This study was designed to clarify whether the scent of peppermint influences work efficiency. Twenty female participated in this study (21.5+0.7yrs.). The psychomotor vigilance test (PVT) was applied to the participants for 10minutes in the room with peppermint oil and without the odor (control) to evaluate the work efficiency. The participants were asked to press a button located on the device, as soon as the visual stimuli appeared at random in PVT. Reaction time (RT) to visual stimulation was applied for evaluation of work efficiency. Visual analogue scale (VAS) was also used for subjective sensation. These experiments were performed in a different room and the order of measurement was at random. Some drops of peppermint oils were dripped on the filter paper in the diffuser and the oil was warmed by a miniature bulb from the bottom of the filter paper. This study was submitted to and approved by the ethic committee of Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine. Mean of RT was 264.6+36.5msec or 247.9+32.8msec in control or peppermint oil, respectively, and the mean RT of peppermint oil was significantly smaller. VAS showed 44.5+18.8 for control and 67.9+21.8 for peppermint, there was a significant difference between two groups. These results indicate that the work efficiency must increase by smelling the fragrance of peppermint oil. When workers feel tired, the scent of peppermint may be able to change their mood