Improving sense of smell in culinary arts students

Olfactory Performance in Culinary Arts Students

PHASE4 · London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's · NCT06066307

This study tests if culinary training helps cooking students improve their sense of smell better than regular smell training.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorLondon Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's (other)
Locations1 site (London, Ontario)
Trial IDNCT06066307 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of culinary skills training on olfactory performance compared to traditional olfactory training. Participants, including culinary arts students and those from a non-olfactory dependent discipline, will undergo olfactory assessments before and after their respective programs. The study utilizes the Sniffin'Sticks olfactory test and questionnaires to evaluate changes in olfactory awareness and quality of life. The goal is to determine if exposure to the complex scents of cooking enhances olfactory function more effectively than standard olfactory training.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals aged 18 and older enrolled in culinary arts or information technology programs at Fanshawe College.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of anosmia or chronic sinus disease may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a novel and engaging method for improving olfactory function in individuals with smell impairments.

How similar studies have performed: While olfactory training has been studied, this specific approach combining culinary training with olfactory assessment is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* age 18 years or older
* enrolled in an introductory training program at Fanshawe collage (Culinary arts or Information Technology)
* capable of providing informed written consent
* capable of reading and writing in English

Exclusion Criteria:

* Participants with a history of anosmia, and chronic sinus disease.

Where this trial is running

London, Ontario

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Loss of Smell, Olfactory Disorder, Olfactory training, Olfaction, Smell, Hyposmia, Anosmia, Olfactory Disfunction

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.