The Mandibular Orthopedic Repositioning Appliance and its Effect on Power Production in Conditioned Athletes

In brief: Many athletes have used the mandibular orthopedic repositioning appliance (MORA) for alleged strength increases. In previous studies of the MORA, subjects were tested immediately after placement of the appliance. In this double-blind study, the authors used a 72-hour adaptation period before examining the MORA's effect on the external muscle power of 11 university football players. Subjects were assigned to an experimental or a placebo/control group based on the degree of temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Before and after application of a MORA or a placebo mouthpiece, each subject's power was assessed in the seated press. Analysis of covariance was applied to the results and revealed no significant improvement for either group.