- 14 Mar 2002
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My better half loves it, so we're having it every day.
Researchers at the University of Tsukuba say they found that drinking highly carbonated water while playing video games helped reduce fatigue and made the experience more enjoyable for participants. They suggested the fizzy sensation may have stimulated nerves in the brain. One of the researchers said the findings were not limited to gaming, adding that highly carbonated water could also benefit office workers who spend much of the day in front of computers. The study was carried out by a team that included Shion Takahashi, 28, a third-year PhD student at the University of Tsukuba, and Takashi Matsui, an associate professor of exercise biochemistry at the university.
According to Matsui, the fizzy sensation in the throat may have been transmitted to the brainstem, stimulating neural activity. Measurements of blood glucose and stress hormones showed no significant differences between participants who drank highly carbonated water and those who drank still water, suggesting the effect was not caused by metabolic changes.
Participants who drank the carbonated water also committed fewer fouls during the game, which the researchers said could indicate improved self-control. Matsui added, with a smile, that choosing highly carbonated water over sugary drinks might even help people avoid making unnecessary remarks when they are tired.
Researchers at the University of Tsukuba say they found that drinking highly carbonated water while playing video games helped reduce fatigue and made the experience more enjoyable for participants. They suggested the fizzy sensation may have stimulated nerves in the brain. One of the researchers said the findings were not limited to gaming, adding that highly carbonated water could also benefit office workers who spend much of the day in front of computers. The study was carried out by a team that included Shion Takahashi, 28, a third-year PhD student at the University of Tsukuba, and Takashi Matsui, an associate professor of exercise biochemistry at the university.
According to Matsui, the fizzy sensation in the throat may have been transmitted to the brainstem, stimulating neural activity. Measurements of blood glucose and stress hormones showed no significant differences between participants who drank highly carbonated water and those who drank still water, suggesting the effect was not caused by metabolic changes.
Participants who drank the carbonated water also committed fewer fouls during the game, which the researchers said could indicate improved self-control. Matsui added, with a smile, that choosing highly carbonated water over sugary drinks might even help people avoid making unnecessary remarks when they are tired.