Search

This study evaluated the effect of bite raising measurements produced by mouthguards (MG) on the exercise performance of athletes. Six baseball athletes (BA) and six tug-of-war athletes (TA) were selected as subjects. The MG for the BA were adjusted vertically for raising the bite by about 1.5, 2.5, and 3.5 mm respectively focusing on the molars. Physical activity was measured for both conditions with and without MG. Measurements were collected for the following physical activities : batter's swing speed(BSS), pitching speed (PS), and throwing distance (TD). MG for TA was adjusted vertically to raise the bite by about 5.0 and 7.0 mm, respectively focusing on the molars. The physical activity was measured for both conditions with and without MG. Measurements were collected for the following physical activities: grip strength (GS) and back strength (BS). The ratios (relative value) of the maximum values of each condition were calculated in comparison to the maximum value of the control group (those not using a MG). Spearman;s rank correlation coefficient was determined by comparing measurements of physical activity and bite raising measurements. Among BA, no correlation was found between TD, BSS and bite raising measurements. A weak correlation was found between PS and bite raising measurements. Among TA, a weak negative correlation between the GS and bite raising measurements was found. A positive correlation was found between the BS and bite raising measurements. These results suggest that there was less improvement in exercise performance for BA by bite raising use of a MG, and that it was possible to improve BS for TA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wearing a mouthguard during contact sports can prevent injuries. In the case of team competition, many players use similar mouthguards, so a system to identify personal mouthguards is needed. We developed a method of direct transfer printing for personal identification of sports mouthguards. The aim of this study was to examine and evaluate the efficacy of this method. After fabricating the mouthguard, nine marks were printed on the surface. The durability of this method was examined by using the mouthguard for one month. Pictures of the marks were taken before use (B), and 1 (1W), 2 (2W), and 4 weeks (4W) after using the mouthguard. Pictures of the marks were entered into a computer for evaluation. Then, the marks on the pictures were changed to the color white, and the other part was changed to the color black using graphics software. The area of the marks was measured by pixel numbers using graphics software. Concerning data analysis, the difference in the mean values of the marks' area among B, 1 W, 2 W, and 4 W was analyzed by the Friedman test. When a difference was found among B, 1 W, 2 W, and 4 W, multiple comparison (Tukey type) was performed. As a result of analysis by multiple comparison (Tukey type), it was clear that the area of the marks was significantly different between B and 1 W (p<0.05), B and 2 W (p<0.01), and B and 4 W (p<0.01). There were no significant changes between 1 W and 2 W, 2 W and 4 W, and 1 W and 4 W. There was little change after 1 month on the area of the marks, therefore the method of printing for personal identification on the surface of mouthguard is durable and can be used for sporting events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the effects of wearing a laminate mouth guard on static balance with eyes closed. Eleven males with complete dentition are analyzed in terms of how their body sway in the upright position with the eyes closed. The study takes into account the position of slight occlusal contact when wearing the mouth guard and the intercuspal position when not wearing the mouth guard. It was found that wearing the mouth guard does not influence the static balance with the eyes closed.