Aroma Effects on Physiologic and Cognitive Function Following Acute Stress: A Mechanism Investigation.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Aromas may improve physiologic and cognitive function after stress, but associated mechanisms remain unknown. This study evaluated the effects of lavender aroma, which is commonly used for stress reduction, on physiologic and cognitive functions. The contribution of pharmacologic, hedonic, and expectancy-related mechanisms of the aromatherapy effects was evaluated.

Methods

Ninety-two healthy adults (mean age, 58.0 years; 79.3% women) were randomly assigned to three aroma groups (lavender, perceptible placebo [coconut], and nonperceptible placebo [water] and to two prime subgroups (primed, with a suggestion of inhaling a powerful stress-reducing aroma, or no prime). Participants' performance on a battery of cognitive tests, physiologic responses, and subjective stre

SUBMITTER: Chamine I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5035835 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature