Physiological Effects of Wearing Athletic Mouth Pieces While Performing Various Exercises.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate physiological responses associated with exercise using two different mouthpieces compared with not using a mouthpiece. Improved performance while using the PX3 Bite Regulator (PX3) may significantly reduce the risk of concussions by allowing an athlete to better prepare, react, absorb, and/or avoid impact completely compared with the restricted breathing or mandibular instability that occurs when using mouthguards. Twenty-three subjects completed a battery of five physiological tests; the 1.5-mile run, sit and reach, anaerobic endurance, leg press, and bench press. Each test battery was completed under three conditions: wearing a PX3, wearing a mouthguard, or no mouthpiece respectfully. The PX3 resulted in significantly faster 1.5-mile run times (667.4 ± 9.4 vs. 684.9 ± 9.2 vs. 679 ± 7.9 s, p ≤ 0.05) and significantly longer anaerobic endurance runs (311 ± 23 vs. 283 ± 18 vs. 286 ± 18yds, p ≤ 0.05) compared with the mouthguard and no mouthpiece. The leg press lifts (51.8 ± 4.1 vs. 46.0 ± 4.3, p ≤ 0.05) while wearing the PX3 were significantly greater than when wearing a mouthguard. There were improvements, but no significant differences for sit and reach (16.8 ± 0.8 vs. 15.9 ± 0.8 vs. 16.4 ± 0.8 in., p = 0.73) and bench press (17.7 ± 1.8 vs. 17.2 ± 1.6 vs. 17.2 ± 1.7 lifts, p = 0.94). The increased performance with the PX3 could be a result of better jaw alignment and/or decreased resistance to airflow.