A recent study from the University of Tsukuba indicates that sparkling water may be superior to still water for maintaining gamer focus during extended play. While many gamers opt for caffeine-laden drinks like coffee or energy drinks, these carry potential health risks. Researchers tested 14 casual gamers over three-hour virtual soccer sessions, comparing plain water to sparkling water.
Results showed sparkling water significantly reduced subjective fatigue, enhanced enjoyment, and preserved executive function, evidenced by preventing pupil constriction. Subjective fatigue and tiredness were mitigated, while enjoyment and control over virtual teams increased. Notably, players committed fewer in-game fouls with sparkling water. The study proposes that carbonation may stimulate mouth sensory receptors, increasing brain arousal.
While the research was partially funded by a soft drinks company, the authors assert no involvement in study design or interpretation. The findings suggest sparkling water could benefit various activities requiring prolonged concentration, offering a healthier option to combat cognitive fatigue.