The New York Times and The Athletic reported on May 15 that NBA coaches are increasingly using smelling salts, with insight from Erin E. Manning, MD, a neurologist at Hospital for Special Surgery.
The discussion is significant as it addresses the growing interest in unconventional methods to boost alertness among athletes during games. Smelling salts have traditionally been used for fainting but are now being considered in sports settings.
Manning said there is no scientific evidence that smelling salts improve athletic performance. “There’s not really a medical basis behind it in that some people report that they feel more alert when they use it,” Manning said. “But basically, all of the studies have really shown that there’s no effect on athletic performance by doing that.” She added that smelling salts have only been approved for fainting due to their temporary effects on blood flow and increased heart and respiratory rates.
Hospital for Special Surgery contributes to community health by providing specialized orthopedic care and advancing musculoskeletal research, according to the official website. The hospital has achieved consistent top rankings in orthopedics and holds multiple Magnet designations for nursing excellence. It focuses on delivering high-quality patient care aimed at improving mobility and advancing research in orthopedic surgery and rheumatology while extending its specialized services through partnerships, including regions such as Southwest Florida.
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