Investigating the effect of mouth guard use on aerobic performance in amateur boxers

To assess if wearing a mouth guard impacts maximal aerobic capacity in amateur boxers.

A prospective crossover cohort (pilot) study was conducted to assess maximal aerobic capacity in amateur boxers using the 20 m multi stage fitness test (MSFT). Two primary outcomes measures were recorded: (1) the maximum oxygen uptake (peak VO₂ -mL/kg/min) and (2) distance run (meters-m). Thirteen amateur boxers completed the MSFT 7 days apart under control (no mouth guard-C) and intervention conditions (mouth guard-MG). Participants also submitted data on height, weight, type of mouth guard and Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) during the test.

Paired T-test.

Mouth guard use was shown to reduce peak VO₂ and distance run during the 20 m MSFT from 56.31 to 54.12 mL/kg/min and 2572 to 2380 m respectively (p < 0.05). Twelve out of 13 participants wore a Boil & Bite mouthguard and recorded lower peak VO₂ scores (-4.38%) when wearing a mouth guard compared to control conditions, (Mean = -2.46 mL/kg/min, Range of decrease = 4.2-0.9 mL/kg/min; p < 0.05). Ten participants submitted data on RPE-One participant with a custom made mouthguard reported no change in RPE in mouthguard conditions, while nine participants reported an average (+30.5%) increase in mean RPE in Boil & Bite mouthguard conditions compared to control conditions.

Boil & Bite mouth guard use was shown to significantly reduce aerobic performance in amateur boxers and increase the perceived rate of exertion during the 20 m MSFT.