Effect of physical activity on olfaction acuity: A systematic review

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Sensory Science
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Olfaction acuity declines with age, obesity, and neurological disorders, impacting energy intake.
• Protecting the sense of smell is gaining importance due to its influence on eating behaviors.
• Physical activity is explored as a potential intervention to mitigate olfactory decline.

Approach:

• Systematic review of literature on physical activity's effects on olfaction acuity.
• Comprehensive search across multiple databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science.
• Analysis of data from 17 trials with 10,861 participants.

Key Points:

• Physical activity demonstrated improvements in olfaction thresholds, discrimination, and identification.
• Enhanced perceived intensity of smells was also observed with physical activity.
• Regular physical activity practice yielded superior effects on olfactory components compared to acute exercise.

Conclusions:

• Physical activity is a promising intervention for maintaining and improving olfaction acuity.
• Consistent, regular exercise appears more beneficial for olfactory function than single bouts.
• Further research with improved methodological consistency is needed to solidify findings.