Effects of the Occlusal Thickness of Mouthpieces on Salivary Cortisol during Resistance Strength Training

Background: When worn during exercise, it has been suggested that a mouthpiece may have a benefit to the athlete by increasing strength and endurance. Specifically, the use of a mouthpiece during resistance strength training has been shown to result in reduced post-exercise concentrations of cortisol when compared to no mouthpiece. The purpose of this pilot study is to determine if the thickness of the biting (occlusal) surface of the mouthpiece has an effect on the reduction of postexercise cortisol concentrations.

Methods and findings: Six male (aged 22-25 years) participants performed identical one-hour workouts of strength training exercises consisting of five sets of five repetitions of back squats, bench press, deadlifts, and military press with 90 seconds of rest between sets. Each participant completed three total workouts while wearing either a mouthpiece with an occlusal thickness of 2 mm, of 6 mm, or no mouthpiece (control). Free cortisol concentrations were measured from salivary samples collected at four times during each workout; pre-workout, 30 min into the workout, immediately following the completion of the workout, and 10 min post-workout. Statistical significance was determined at α=0.05.

Conclusion: While there was no statistical significance found amongst the results, there is a trend that follows previous research that the use of a mouthpiece during resistance strength training yields a reduced salivary cortisol concentration at 10 min post-workout when compared to no mouthpiece, suggesting that the thicker, 6 mm mouthpiece may be more effective. This finding suggests that the effect of a mouthpiece on athletic performance may be dependent on the occlusal thickness, which warrants further research into the optimal design for an athletic mouthpiece.

Author(s): Andrew J Keith

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