We have all seen top athletes such as Virat Kohli, Marnus Labuschagne or Aaron Finch pop a piece of chewing gum on the field, seemingly a casual habit. However beyond the surface, chewing gum during sports isn’t just a quirky routine, it’s a scientifically-backed technique to boost performance.
Chewing-Gum Boosts Focus And Agility
A sports science report by Science ABC claims that the mind is stimulated by chewing gum. It does so with receptors in the mouth. Such receptors can receive stimulations through taste or movements of the jaw. Their stimulation causes them to trigger signals in the brain and thereby enhance mental activities. Increased mental activity in this manner calls for greater circulation of blood. The heart enhances such circulation by speeding its rate of pumping. It increases blood flow between the two, yet it benefits not only the muscle but the brain itself as well. That makes athletes sharper, quicker and more focused at high-stakes moments.
Chewing gum can also maintain sharpness and quick reflexes during the field, enhancing biomechanics. Even though the matches are intense sometimes, a little difference makes all the difference in maintaining concentration and gum assists by keeping one’s senses sharp and attentive. For this reason, it does not become a habit, rather, it is a deliberate tactical choice for athletes desiring to remain at top performance.
Stress Relief And Improved Concentration
Another benefit of chewing gum is that it can be a stress-relieving agent. According to sports science, Chewing is said to stimulate the production of serotonin, which has been linked to keeping up with mood and minimizing levels of stress. This may be the key reason players in a crucial match get the composure and focus needed to win competitive games.
Hydration And Comfort On The Field
Chewing gum helps in the moistening of the mouth and eliminates the feeling of thirst. During high-speed games, the players do not stop for water very often. In this aspect, if the mouth is moistened by chewing gum, then there is this small relief, which makes the players fully concentrate on the game.
A Performance Enabler
Well, basically, chewing gum is just a habit for these athletes. It’s more of an adjunct that helps in terms of physical and mental performance to conquer the rigors of intense competition.
The Sportz Planet Desk,
Atharva Shetye
