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Effects of Clenching Strength on Step Reaction Time
Nao Sugai1, Ryo Hirabayashi1, Yoshiyuki Okada2
1Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, 1398 Shimami-cho, Kita-ku, Niigata-shi, Niigata 950-3198, Japan.
Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology
|July 23, 2025
Summary
Teeth clenching, particularly at maximum effort, significantly improves reaction time in athletes. This remote muscle activation enhances performance by reducing systemic simple reaction time, potentially aiding in sports victories.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Human Physiology
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Reaction time is a critical determinant of success in sports.
- The role of teeth clenching in athletic performance has not been extensively studied.
- Remote muscle activation through clenching may influence reaction speed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of teeth clenching on systemic simple reaction time.
- To examine the impact of clenching strength on reaction performance.
- To understand the relationship between clenching and remote muscle activation.
Main Methods:
- Twenty healthy adults performed a 30 cm forward step task to measure systemic simple reaction time.
- Three clenching conditions were tested: no clenching, moderate clenching, and maximum clenching.
- Measurements included release time, grounding time, soleus muscle reaction time, and masseter muscle activity.
Main Results:
- Maximum effort teeth clenching significantly reduced reaction time compared to no clenching.
- Soleus muscle reaction and grounding times correlated negatively with clenching strength.
- Remote facilitation from clenching demonstrated immediate muscle activity, improving systemic reaction time.
Conclusions:
- Teeth clenching effectively shortens systemic simple reaction time.
- This finding suggests clenching is a viable strategy for enhancing athletic performance.
- The study highlights the potential of clenching as a performance-enhancing technique in sports.
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