Effect of noncustom birnolar 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 (V-E), oxygen uptake (VO2), and heart rate were measured in 12 university varsity female ice hockey players while these players were skating oil 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: V-E and VO2 were similar (P > 0.05) with and without a noncustom bimolar mouthguard at submaximal effort. The mean VE at maximal effort (V(E)max) 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 (VO(2)max) was significantly lower (P < 0.05) using the mouthguard (48.8 mL(.)kg(-1.)min(-1)) compared with without a mouthguard (52.4 mL(.)kg(-1.)min(-1)). 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.