By
Alex Smith |
A neuroscience study onboard Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 by scientific market research company Walnut Unlimited has suggested that time spent travelling at sea may provide cognitive benefits.
The study, which involved 40 guests on a transatlantic crossing from Southampton, UK, to New York, used a combination of self-report and biometric measures to identify cognitive and physiological changes before and after five days at sea. Psycho-physiological reactions were monitored using a neurofeedback device to measure and record the natural electrical activity of the brain and a Galvanic Skin Response Recorder to measure and record the natural electrical resistance of the skin.
The results showed a 29 per cent improvement in word recall, indicating better short-term memory performance. A 125 per cent improvement on complex logical and spatial reasoning tasks was also observed, along with a 14 per cent improvement in focus during visual tasks. The number of guests reporting a feeling of relaxation also increased by 158 per cent, while overall physiological stress levels decreased by 35 per cent.
“What stands out for me in this study is how neatly all the pieces fit together,” said neuroscientist Dr Jack Lewis. “The passengers time on the ship clearly reduced their stress levels, based on subjective and objective measures. The main stress hormone cortisol is well-known in the science research literature to interfere with various cognitive processes. So, the boost in memory and logical reasoning capacity identified in this study is likely to be attributed to the stress-relieving impact of ocean travel.”
Guests’ cognitive ability were measured before and after five days at sea
“This study reinforces what we have always known – a Cunard voyage is much more than just a holiday," said Katie McAlister, president of Cunard. “Our thoughtfully curated enrichment programmes, bespoke wellness experiences, world-class dining, and renown White Star Service combined with the opportunity to unwind and embrace the serenity of the ocean, leave our guests feeling refreshed, inspired and reinvigorated.”