Conference Proceeding

The Effects of Chewing Gum on the Driving Performance of Emergency Medicine Residents After Overnight Shift Work

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Abstract

This is a comparison study evaluating the influence of chewing gum on driving performance by computer simulation in emergency medicine residents doing overnight shift work. A total of eleven subjects were tested. Four simulations were randomized to each test subject at different points in the study. Data was analyzed comparing pre- and post-shift tests for each study group, as well as chewing gum versus non-chewing gum use during testing. Results showed no significant difference in lateral deviation, described as the root mean squared of lane departure measured in feet, or braking reaction time, defined as the time to break measured in seconds when triggered by a predetermined cue, in those using gum versus no gum. Between- and within-group differences were assessed by split-plot analysis measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). Our study showed statistical significance in that divided attention response time, designated as the time in seconds to perform a secondary task while driving, was longer in those driving with chewing gum versus without chewing gum (p < 0.05). This pilot study serves as a potential foundation for further investigation into augmenting the driving performance of emergency medicine residents performing overnight shift work with chewing gum use.

How to Cite:

Dela Cruz, M. & Khalid, M. & Mostafa, A. & Foster, J. & Kaump, G. & McKeever, R. & Greenberg, M., (2019) “The Effects of Chewing Gum on the Driving Performance of Emergency Medicine Residents After Overnight Shift Work”, Driving Assessment Conference 10(2019), 120-125. doi: https://doi.org/10.17077/drivingassessment.1684

Rights: Copyright © 2019 the author(s)