Aim: To evaluate the influence of a custom made maxillary mouthguard (Parabite Malpezzi®, PM) on submaximal and maximal physiological parameters determining performance in road cycling. Methods: Ten well-trained amateur road cyclists (35±5 yr.) performed an incremental cardiopulmonary test until exhaustion on a frictional braked cycle ergometer, with work rate (WR) increase of 15 watts per minute at a freely chosen pedaling cadence. WR, heart rate, oxygen consumption (VO2), carbon dioxide production, and ventilation at Lactate Threshold (LT), at Respiratory Compensation Point (RCP) and at maximal exercise (MAX) were determined in normal condition (C) and wearing PM, made with an original method based on gnathological and anthropometric parameters. Cycling economy was also evaluated by analyzing the slope of the VO2/WR (ΔVO2/ΔWR, mL/watt/min) relationship during the test in the two experimental conditions. Results: Wearing PM compared to C resulted in an average significant 6% and 4% increases of WR at RCP (281±32 vs 266±19 watts, P=0.04) and at MAX (353±44 vs 339±38 watts, P=0.004) respectively. Wearing PM also resulted in a 8% lower ΔVO2/ΔWR (9.5±1.1 vs 10.3±1.1 mL/watt/min, P=0.06) while did not significantly alter any of the other measured parameters at LT, RCP and MAX. Conclusion: Wearing individually fitted maxillary mouthguard enhanced cycling economy and exercise performance above Lactate Threshold, while did not affect other parameters generally associated with cycling performance. These preliminary results provide support to encourage athletes to correct jaw posture and occlusal clench in order to improve exercise performance.
INFLUENCE OF A CUSTOM MADE MAXILLARY MOUTHGUARD ON EXERCISE PERFORMANCE OF AMATEUR ROAD CYCLISTS.
MAZZONI, Gianni;GRAZZI, Giovanni
2012
Abstract
Aim: To evaluate the influence of a custom made maxillary mouthguard (Parabite Malpezzi®, PM) on submaximal and maximal physiological parameters determining performance in road cycling. Methods: Ten well-trained amateur road cyclists (35±5 yr.) performed an incremental cardiopulmonary test until exhaustion on a frictional braked cycle ergometer, with work rate (WR) increase of 15 watts per minute at a freely chosen pedaling cadence. WR, heart rate, oxygen consumption (VO2), carbon dioxide production, and ventilation at Lactate Threshold (LT), at Respiratory Compensation Point (RCP) and at maximal exercise (MAX) were determined in normal condition (C) and wearing PM, made with an original method based on gnathological and anthropometric parameters. Cycling economy was also evaluated by analyzing the slope of the VO2/WR (ΔVO2/ΔWR, mL/watt/min) relationship during the test in the two experimental conditions. Results: Wearing PM compared to C resulted in an average significant 6% and 4% increases of WR at RCP (281±32 vs 266±19 watts, P=0.04) and at MAX (353±44 vs 339±38 watts, P=0.004) respectively. Wearing PM also resulted in a 8% lower ΔVO2/ΔWR (9.5±1.1 vs 10.3±1.1 mL/watt/min, P=0.06) while did not significantly alter any of the other measured parameters at LT, RCP and MAX. Conclusion: Wearing individually fitted maxillary mouthguard enhanced cycling economy and exercise performance above Lactate Threshold, while did not affect other parameters generally associated with cycling performance. These preliminary results provide support to encourage athletes to correct jaw posture and occlusal clench in order to improve exercise performance.I documenti in SFERA sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
