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.

DESIGN

Prospective crossover study.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: 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.