%0 Journal Article
%T Effects of the Occlusal Thickness of Mouthpieces on Salivary Cortisol during
Resistance Strength Training
%A Andrew J Keith
%J -
%D 2017
%R 10.21767/2576-392X.100012
%X Background: When worn during exercise, it has been   suggested that a mouthpiece may have a benefit to the   athlete by increasing strength and endurance. Specifically,   the use of a mouthpiece during resistance strength   training has been shown to result in reduced post-exercise   concentrations of cortisol when compared to no   mouthpiece. The purpose of this pilot study is to   determine if the thickness of the biting (occlusal) surface   of the mouthpiece has an effect on the reduction of postexercise   cortisol concentrations.
Methods and findings: Six male (aged 22-25 years)   participants performed identical one-hour workouts of   strength training exercises consisting of five sets of five   repetitions of back squats, bench press, deadlifts, and   military press with 90 seconds of rest between sets. Each   participant completed three total workouts while wearing   either a mouthpiece with an occlusal thickness of 2 mm,   of 6 mm, or no mouthpiece (control). Free cortisol   concentrations were measured from salivary samples   collected at four times during each workout; pre-workout,   30 min into the workout, immediately following the   completion of the workout, and 10 min post-workout.   Statistical significance was determined at ¦Á=0.05.
Conclusion: While there was no statistical significance   found amongst the results, there is a trend that follows   previous research that the use of a mouthpiece during   resistance strength training yields a reduced salivary   cortisol concentration at 10 min post-workout when   compared to no mouthpiece, suggesting that the thicker,   6 mm mouthpiece may be more effective. This finding   suggests that the effect of a mouthpiece on athletic   performance may be dependent on the occlusal   thickness, which warrants further research into the   optimal design for an athletic mouthpiece.
%K Mouth guard
%K Stress
%K Exercise
%K Vertical height
%K list of open access journals
%K open access
%K open access journals
%K open access publication
%K open access publisher
%K open access publishing
%K open access journal articles
%K imedpub
%K imedpub publishing
%K insight medical publishing
%K imedpub online
%U https://www.imedpub.com/articles/effects-of-the-occlusal-thickness-of-mouthpieces-on-salivary-cortisol-duringresistance-strength-training.php?aid=20085