LE3 .A278 2017

2017

Murphy, René

Acadia University

Bachelor of Kinesiology

Honours

Kinesiology

Kinesiology

When optional, athletes often opt out of wearing mouthguards in fear of being subjected to obstructed breathing or discomfort. Commercialization of the devices led to progressive advances in design, as manufacturers addressed the criticisms put forth by the athletes. The role of mouthguards in sport is expanding beyond their protective use, as research has begun to investigate the potential for certain designs to induce performance enhancing effects. In recent years, manufacturers have incorporated the jaw-repositioning dental technique into mouthguard designs, in the pursuit of developing a product that induces ergogenic effects through facilitation of improved airway dynamics. Anterior advancement of the mandible has commonly been associated with increased airway size and is a jaw-repositioning technique that is prevalent in the treatment of disorders that are characterized by closing of the airway. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of a mandibular repositioning mouthguard on cardiorespiratory parameters during maximal exercise intensity in cyclists who are presumed to be limited by the respiratory system. Results indicated that the mouthguard produced no statistically significant effects on airway size or aerobic performance variables. However, the majority of the subjects exhibited increases in airway volume and maximal oxygen uptake when the custom designed mouthguard was worn.

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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:2097