Objective and Subjective Effects of Peppermint Flavor and Scent Administration on Athletic Performance: Use of a Peppermint Flavored Mouth Guard during Rugby Play

Collegiate rugby athletes competed two months with a peppermint flavored mouthguard or unflavored mouthguard. The peppermint flavored mouthguard promoted a greater sense of safety, energy, feeling of being “psyched up,” confidence, performance and strength. There is both objective and subjective evidence that peppermint administration can improve athletic motivation and performance.