A systematic review on the effects of occlusal splint therapy on muscle strength

Abstract

ABSTRACTObjective: The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review on the effectiveness of occlusal splints for improving muscle strength. Occlusal splints are oral appliances that cause joint stabilization.Methods: A mix of medical and sports science terms was used to perform the search on several databases (Web of Science, Science Direct, SPORT Discus, PubMed, and Springer).Results: Twelve studies were reviewed, and their analysis indicates a trend pointing toward a limited interaction between the use of occlusal splints and improved muscle strength.Discussion: The extent of occlusal splints’ impact on muscle strength is presently unknown. At this stage, there is no general agreement as to whether occlusal splints can be used as ergogenic aids. The number of studies on this specific topic and their different experimental designs precludes drawing more definite conclusions. Further research is warranted to elucidate possible changes resulting from occlusal splints during exercise.