Influence of maxillary mouthguards on physiological parameters

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to test the influence of two types of maxillary mouthguards (a self-adapted and a custom-made model: SA and CM, respectively) on various physiological parameters generally associated with performance in team sports. Methods: Nineteen trained male subjects participating in team sports were tested. Visual reaction time, explosive power, ventilation at rest, and ventilation and oxygen consumption during submaximal and maximal exercise were measured in three randomized conditions: normal, with SA mouthguards, or with CM mouthguards. Results: Wearing SA or CM mouthguards did not significantly alter any of the measured parameters compared with the normal condition. Conclusions: Wearing a maxillary mouthguard does not affect the main physiological parameters generally associated with team sport performance. These results provide additional support to the policy of encouraging athletes to wear individually fitted maxillary mouthguards.