Effect of noncustom bimolar mouthguards on peak ventilation in ice hockey players.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the effect of a noncustom bimolar mouthguard on ventilation in female varsity ice hockey players.


METHODS
Prospective crossover study.


METHODS
Expired ventilation (VE), oxygen uptake (VO2), and heart rate were measured in 12 university varsity female ice hockey players while these players were skating on a skating treadmill. Data were collected for each player with and without a mouthguard at both submaximal and maximal efforts to recreate the intensity of games.


RESULTS
VE and VO2 were similar (P > 0.05) with and without a noncustom bimolar mouthguard at submaximal effort. The mean VE at maximal effort (VEmax) was significantly lower (P < 0.05) using the mouthguard (108.5 l/min) compared with without a mouthguard (114.1 l/min). VO2 at maximal effort (VO2max) was significantly lower (P < 0.05) using the mouthguard (48.8 mL.kg.min) compared with without a mouthguard (52.4 mL.kg.min). Heart rates were similar for players with and without a mouthguard at both submaximal and maximal efforts.


CONCLUSIONS
Noncustom bimolar mouthguards may reduce ventilation and oxygen uptake at maximal efforts by female ice hockey players.
Delaney
J Scott
JS
Department of Emergency Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, McGill Sport Medicine Clinic, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. j.delaney@mcgill.ca
Montgomery
David L
DL
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004867:Equipment Design; D004869:Equipment Safety; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D006688:Hockey / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D009064:Mouth Protectors; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology*; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology*; D011336:Probability; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011659:Pulmonary Gas Exchange; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests