Chocolate odor enhances resistance exercise performance through appetite suppression in the fasted state: an...

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Olfactory Neurobiology
• Appetite Regulation

Background:

• Olfactory stimuli influence psychobiological processes, affecting appetite and performance.
• The impact of odor-induced appetite and pleasantness changes on resistance exercise capacity is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if chocolate-related odors alter appetite perception, odor pleasantness, and resistance exercise capacity in moderately trained men.
• To explore the potential of non-nutritive olfactory stimuli in supporting exercise.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, double-blind, crossover trial involving 23 men exposed to 90% dark chocolate, 60% milk chocolate, or a water control.
• Assessment of appetite perception and odor pleasantness using visual analog scales, and perceived exertion via the Borg CR10 scale.
• Participants performed leg-extension sets to volitional exhaustion at 80% of 10-repetition maximum (10RM), with odors presented before each set.

Main Results:

• Total repetitions and sets were significantly higher with both 90% dark chocolate and 60% milk chocolate compared to the control.
• 90% dark chocolate reduced appetite ratings, while 60% milk chocolate increased odor pleasantness before exercise.
• Ratings of perceived exertion increased across sets but did not differ significantly between odor conditions.

Conclusions:

• Chocolate-related odors can modulate appetite and hedonic responses, leading to increased resistance exercise volume.
• These findings suggest chocolate odors may offer a non-nutritive strategy to enhance fasted resistance exercise.
• Further research is required to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and confirm the generalizability of these effects.