The role of time on task performance in modifying the effects of gum chewing on attention

Appetite. 2011 Apr;56(2):299-301. doi: 10.1016/j.appet.2010.12.021. Epub 2010 Dec 28.

Abstract

Recent research examined the effects of chewing gum on attention and reported a significant interaction of gum chewing with time. Using a crossover within-subject design, the present study examined the effect of gum chewing on sustained attention in healthy adults over a period of 30 min. The results revealed a significant main effect of time and a significant interaction between gum chewing and time. The findings suggest that gum chewing differentially affects attention performance. While gum chewing has detrimental effects on sustained attention in earlier stages of the task, beneficial effects on sustained attention were observed at later stages.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attention*
  • Chewing Gum*
  • Cognition
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Reaction Time*
  • Task Performance and Analysis*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Chewing Gum