SUMMARY Aim. In sports in which there is a high risk of stomatognathic system injury, using the mouthguard is important to minimize the frequency and severity of orofacial trauma. Numerous studies have investigated the effects of the mouthguard on sports performance without detecting significant changes in maximum oxygen consumption or explosive and explosive-elastic strength. The aim of this study was to evaluate the variation in acute submaximal strength exercises in both the upper and lower limbs with and without the use of a self-adapted mouthguard in a group of athletes training with overloads. Methods. Ten male athletes (26±5 years, weight 80±11 kg, 180±1 cm) divided into two groups, were studied. The subjects were trained for at least five years, three days a week and had never used a mouthguard. In this study, Kipsta (Decathlon SA, France) self-adapted mouthguards was used. The test protocol involved the search of the maximum load (kg) lifted by 5 maximum repetitions (5RM) with and without the use of the mouthguard. Results. Data analysis using the Wilcoxon paired test showed a not significant difference in strength with and without the use of the MG in the performed exercises: bench press (ns, +2%); lat machine (ns; +4%), overhead press (ns, +2%), curl bar (ns; +1%), push down (ns, +2%), squat (ns; +3%). In order to reinforce this observation, all tests with and without the MG were evaluated together. The data analysis (T-test) showed higher values of strength without the use of the MG (P<0.01, +2%). Conclusion. The study carried out highlights how, in a group of athletes training with weights, the acute use of selfadapted mouthguards cause significant negative variation in the maximal dynamic strength.
© Copyright 2015 Medicina dello Sport. Edizioni Minerva Medica. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.