The effects of over-the-counter jaw-repositioning mouthguards on aerobic performance

The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness
Devon L GolemShawn M Arent

Abstract

Though jaw-repositioning devices have been found to increase size of upper respiratory airways in individuals, the effects of jaw-repositioning mouthguards on respiratory function during exercise have not been fully explored. The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of over-the-counter (OTC) jaw-repositioning mouthguards on respiratory function and aerobic performance in male athletes. College-aged, male athletes (N.=20) participated in this randomized, crossover, controlled study. Each subject completed one testing session per condition: a no mouthguard control (CON), a placebo mouthguard (PLA), an OTC self-adapted jaw-repositioning mouthguard (SA), and an OTC custom-fitted jaw-repositioning mouthguard (CF). Each testing session consisted of respiratory flow dynamic tests at rest. Ventilation and gas exchange were assessed during a graded maximal treadmill test. Peak blood lactate values were obtained from 0-10 min post-exercise. At rest, the CON had significantly higher peak expiratory flow rate values than the other conditions (P<0.03). Maximum voluntary ventilation values for PLA and SA were significantly lower compared to CON (P<0.02) at rest. No significant differences were observed between conditions for ven...Continue Reading

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