Use Of Mouthpiece Research Articles

The effects of jaw clenching and mouthpiece use on bat swing velocity in Division II athletes

ABSTRACT Research assessing the effects of mouthpieces on an individual’s aerobic, anaerobic, or muscular performance have attributed cited improvements to the participant’s ability to jaw clench. Jaw clenching research finds positive outcomes with the task of jaw clenching with targeted muscle groups in a controlled laboratory setting. Thus, the study’s goal was to determine if the addition of a mouthpiece would positively affect performance outcomes in a field-based whole-body muscle movement. Fourteen participants (8=F and 6=M) NCAA softball and baseball athletes completed 5 maximal bat swings with and without a mouthpiece in 4 conditions: no jaw clenching (NC), mouthpiece and jaw clenching (MP+C), mouthpiece only (MP), and jaw clenching only (C). Significant differences occurred in conditions, with the highest velocity noted in the combined condition of MP+C (71.9 mph) as compared to NC (67.9 mph), MP (68.6 mph), and C (70.9 mph). A repeated measures ANOVA demonstrated significant differences with bat swing velocity (F = 13.19, df 3, p < 0.0001). Pairwise comparisons revealed significant differences in MP+C with MP (p = 0.007); MP+C with NC (p = 0.001), and C with NC (p = 0.009). The results of this study provide evidence of jaw clenching’s positive effects on the dynamic, whole-body explosive activity of a bat swing.

Use of mouthpiece for pressurized metered dose inhaler (pMDI) and change in inhalation status

Inhalation therapy using a pressurized metered-dose inhaler (pMDI) is said to be highly effective with few side effects. However, there are cases in which inhalation therapy with pMDI is not sufficiently effective, such as drug adhesion to the oral cavity or dependence on the user's technique. In this study, the use of a mouthpiece was proposed to reduce drug adhesion to the oral cavity and improve the ease of sucking, and the effectiveness of the mouthpiece was verified. The changes in inhalation rate and volume when using the mouthpiece were measured with an applied fine pressure difference sensor. Using an appropriately shaped mouthpiece increased the area of the posterior pharyngeal wall during inhalation and placed the tongue in a position where it was less likely to adhere to the drug. In many subjects, the mouthpiece provided better control of the inhalation rate and made it easier to maintain the target inhalation rate. The mouthpiece also increased the amount of inhalation in many subjects.

Rethinking the evidence for early horse domestication at Botai

Despite its transformative impact on human history, the early domestication of the horse (Equus caballus) remains exceedingly difficult to trace in the archaeological record. In recent years, a scientific consensus emerged linking the Botai culture of northern Kazakhstan with the first domestication of horses, based on compelling but largely indirect archaeological evidence. A cornerstone of the archaeological case for domestication at Botai is damage to the dentition commonly linked with the use of bridle mouthpieces, or “bit wear.” Recent archaeogenetic analyses reveal, however, that horse remains from Botai are not modern domesticates but instead the Przewalski’s horse, E. przewalskii—warranting reevaluation of evidence for domestication. Here, we compare osteological traits hypothesized to have been caused by horse transport at Botai with wild Pleistocene equids in North America. Our results suggest that damage observed in Botai horse teeth is likely generated by natural disturbances in dental development and wear, rather than through contact with bridle equipment. In light of a careful reconsideration of the mid-Holocene archaeological record of northern Eurasia, we suggest that archaeological materials from Botai are most effectively explained through the regularized mass harvesting of wild Przewalski’s’ horses—meaning that the origins of horse domestication may lie elsewhere.

Comparison of facemask and mouthpiece interfaces for multiple breath washout measurements

BackgroundDifferent interfaces (mouthpiece/nose clip vs. facemask) are used during multiple breath washout (MBW) tests in young children. MethodsWe investigated the effect of interface choice and breathing modalities on MBW outcomes in healthy adults and preschool children. ResultsIn adults (n = 26) facemask breathing significantly increased LCI, compared to mouthpiece use (mean difference (95% CI) 0.4 (0.2; 0.6)), with results generalizable across sites and different equipment. Exclusively nasal breathing within the facemask increased LCI, as compared to oral breathing. In preschoolers (2–6 years, n = 46), no significant inter-test difference was observed across interfaces for LCI or FRC. Feasibility and breathing stability were significantly greater with facemask (incorporating dead space volume minimization), vs. mouthpiece. This was more pronounced in subjects <4 years of age. ConclusionBoth nasal vs. oral breathing and mouthpiece vs. facemask affect LCI measurements in adults. This effect was minimal in preschool children, where switching between interfaces is most likely to occur.

Clinical Application of Newly Developed Custom-made Mouthpiece for Scuba Diving.

To describe a method for customizing scuba diving mouthpieces, to examine their usability, and to assess divers' satisfaction with their use. A rational method for fabricating custom-made mouthpieces for scuba diving was developed. Twenty scuba divers agreed to use a custom-made mouthpiece for at least 4 weeks. After mouthpiece use, participants completed an 11-item questionnaire. Custom-made mouthpieces had significantly lower scores for all items on the questionnaire except uncomfortable sensation, indicating that they were more comfortable than ready-made mouthpieces. It can be concluded that these novel custom-made mouthpieces for scuba diving offer greater comfort than ready-made mouthpieces.

Mouthpiece use during heavy resistance exercise affects serum cortisol and lactate

Recent reports suggest the use of mouthpieces may be beneficial at improving aerobic and anaerobic exercise performance. However, the mechanisms of these reported improvements have yet to be elucidated. The purpose of this study was to explore the possible mechanisms of improved performance using the ArmourBite® mouthpiece. Using a within subject randomized treatment design, 15 experienced resistance trained males (19–26 years of age) performed 6 sets of 10 repetitions of free weight back squats at 80% of 1RM with and without a mouthpiece. Blood samples were collected before exercise, after 3 sets (Mid), immediately post (Post), 30 min post (Post-30), 60 min post (Post-60) and 120 min post (Post-120) exercise. Samples were analyzed for lactate and ELISA was used to determine cortisol. Mouthpiece use resulted in more repetitions completed without assistance (54.36 ± 0.61 vs. 53.27 ± 0.79, p = 0.046) and fewer assisted repetitions (6.73 ± 0.79 vs. 5.64 ± 0.61 repetitions, p = 0.046) compared to the ...

Reconstructing Equine Bridles in the Mongolian Bronze Age

Archaeozoological remains provide a key dataset for understanding horse control in Mongolia's Deer Stone-Khirigsuur (DSK) Complex, a late Bronze Age culture dating to circa 1300–700 BC. Although no horse tack has been recovered from DSK contexts, archaeological finds from nearby areas of East and Central Asia suggest that a bridle with a noseband, soft organic bit, and rigid cheekpieces was used by late Bronze Age Mongolian herders. Osteological data from a sample of 25 ritually interred horse crania corroborate these inferences. Deformation to the bridge of the nose on several archaeological specimens suggests that DSK bridles incorporated a noseband, while limited damage to the premolars or diastema is consistent with organic mouthpiece use. A preliminary comparison between archaeological and contemporary horses ridden with known bridle equipment implies that osteological changes to the lateral margin of the premaxilla, present in the DSK sample, might have been produced by a rigid cheekpiece. This study highlights the promise of combining multiple lines of skeletal evidence with other archaeological data to reconstruct ancient equine bridles and tack.

WS02.2 Aztreonam for inhalation solution (AZLI) for eradication of new onset Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) infection in children with cystic fibrosis (CF): Results of facemask vs. nebulizer mouthpiece use

Objectives Treating early PA infection in CF often requires giving inhaled antibiotics to very young patients (pts). In the ALPINE study (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01375049), pts Methods Children age 3 mos to PA infection (first lifetime PA -positive culture [throat swab, sputum, BAL] or PA -positive after ≥2-yr history of PA -negative cultures) were treated with AZLI 75 mg 3x/day for 28 days via a PARI Investigational eFlow® Nebulizer. Recommended delivery was by SmartMask® Baby for pts 3 mos to PA eradication failure rates are presented. Results See the table. No specific safety issues were attributable to either mask or mouthpiece use. PA culture positive at day 28, end of treatment, n/N3 mo to Conclusion In young children with CF, AZLI treatment administered via eFlow nebulizer with SmartMask for initial PA infection had high eradication success rates and should be considered a valid treatment option. No safety issues were associated with specific mask/mouthpiece type. Supported by Gilead Sciences.

Effects of Mouthpiece Use on Lactate and Cortisol Levels During and After 30 Minutes of Treadmill Running

Background: Protective mouthpieces have been used in a variety of sports to decrease the risk of orofacial injury. There is limited data to suggest that mouthpiece use during exercise may also provide an ergogenic effect. Aim: To investigate the effects of mouthpiece use (the Edge, Bite Tech Corp) on physiological parameters. Methods: Twenty-four college-aged recreationally fit subjects ran for 30 minutes on 2 separate trials with a mouthpiece randomly assigned to each trial for all subjects. Lactate and cortisol levels were assessed before, during (lactate only) and after testing. Results: This study found that lactate levels were significantly lowered in the mouthpiece condition at 30 minutes of exercise (4.01 mmol/L MP versus 4.92 mmol/L no MP, P-value = 0.024). In 22 of the 24 subjects salivary cortisol samples were assessed with no significant difference between mouthpiece and no mouthpiece condition (0.151 ug/dL MP, 0.214 ug/dL No MP, P = 0.08). Conclusions: The outcomes of this study suggest that use of a mouthpiece may affect lactate post moderate intensity exercise in this population.

Performance Mouthpiece Use During Heavy Resistance Exercise Increases Total Work Performed

Performance Mouthpiece Use During Heavy Resistance Exercise Increases Total Work Performed

Mouthpiece Use Reduces Post Exercise Serum Cortisol Levels

Recent work has shown that a lower jaw mouthpiece (MP) can decrease lactate, improve airway dynamics and decrease salivary cortisol following exercise. This study aimed to determine if wearing a lower jaw MP (ArmourBite Technology) altered serum cortisol in 13 collegiate‐aged males during or after physical work. At least 7 days following one repetition maximum (1RM) testing, subjects completed 2 trials, separated by 7 days, of 6 sets x 10 repetitions of back squats with 2 min rest between sets. Load was set at 80% of each subject's 1RM and resistance was adjusted during testing so subjects completed 10 repetitions during each set. Treatment order was randomized and blood was sampled: pre exercise, after 3 sets (mid), post exercise, 30, 60 and 120 min post exercise. Each sample was labeled and frozen for determination of cortisol (ìg/dL) via ELISA (ALPCO Diagnostics, Salem, NH). There was no difference in pre exercise cortisol between groups (MP: 21.55±9.82 vs 25.58±10.88). The MP group had lower (P&lt;.05) cortisol levels at mid (MP: 19.39±6.90 vs 27.84±14.55) and post 30 (MP: 22.91±8.47 vs 31.81±10.79), while no differences existed immediately post exercise, post 60, or post 120. These results confirm in serum that the use of lower jaw MPs attenuates the cortisol response following strenuous physical exercise. This suggests that the use of a MP may aid in post exercise recovery and may diminish the stress of physical exercise.

The Effects of Mouthpiece Use on Cortisol Levels During an Intense Bout of Resistance Exercise

Research has suggested mouthpiece use during exercise results in an increase in muscle strength and endurance. However, the research is difficult to replicate, and the methodology suggested measures that were too subjective to determine a mouthpiece effect. Thus, the purpose of this study was to use an objective measure to determine a possible physiological mechanism occurring during and after exercise with mouthpiece use. A within-subjects design was used in which 28 division I football players, aged 18-22 years, performed 2 identical bouts of a 1-hour intense resistance exercise, with each subject being randomly assigned the use of a custom-fit mouthpiece either during the first or second session. During both exercise sessions, saliva was analyzed for cortisol at the following time points: pre-exercise, 25, 45, and 60 minutes of exercise, and 10 minutes postexercise. The results revealed a significant difference in cortisol levels with the use of a mouthpiece vs. no mouthpiece (p = 0.019) at 10 minutes postexercise. Additionally, although the expected increase in cortisol levels from pre to 10 minutes postexercise was present in the no-mouthpiece group (p = 0.01), no such increase was observed in the mouthpiece group. These observations are most likely because of the decrease in cortisol from post to 10 minutes post (p = 0.04) in the mouthpiece group. These data demonstrate that although cortisol continued to increase in the no-mouthpiece session, there was a significant decrease in cortisol in the no-mouthpiece condition 10 minutes postexercise.

The effects of mouthpiece use on gas exchange parameters during steady-state exercise in college-aged men and women

The authors conducted a study to assess the effects of custom-fitted mouthpieces on gas exchange parameters, including volume of oxygen consumption over time [corrected] (VO(2)), volume of oxygen consumption over time per kilogram of body weight [corrected] (VO(2) /kg) and volume of carbon dioxide production over time [corrected] (VO(2)). Sixteen physically fit college students aged 18 through 21 years performed two 10-minute treadmill runs (6.5 miles per hour, 0 percent grade) for each of three treatment conditions (mouthpiece, no mouthpiece and nose breathing). The authors assigned the conditions randomly for each participant and for each session. They assessed gas exchange parameters by using a metabolic measurement system. The authors used analysis of variance to compare all variables. They set the significance level at α = .05 and used a Tukey post hoc analysis of treatment means to identify differences between groups. The results showed significant improvements (P < .05) in VO(2,) VO(2) /kg and VCO(2) in the mouthpiece condition. The study findings show that use of a custom-fitted mouthpiece resulted in improved specific gas exchange parameters. The authors are pursuing further studies to explain the mechanisms involved in the improved endurance performance exhibited with mouthpiece use. Dental care professionals have an obligation to understand the increasing research evidence in support of mouthpiece use during exercise and athletic activity and to educate their patients.

Factors that Prevent Roughstock Rodeo Athletes From Wearing Protective Equipment

Using a cross-sectional survey design, this study sought to determine usage rates and barriers to the use of protective equipment in roughstock athletes. Between 2004 and 2006, amateur, collegiate, and professional roughstock athletes were surveyed using national organizational mailing lists. Findings revealed that during competition, 69% never wore a helmet. Barriers were a negative effect on performance and sport persona. Conversely, 88% always wore a vest. The perception that vest usage was required encouraged roughstock athletes to wear them. Mouthpiece use results were mixed; 58% always used and 21% never used a mouthpiece. Barriers were discomfort and frequent forgetfulness. Reported injury rate was high, with users noting fewer injuries to head and ribs than nonusers, and riders agreed that protective equipment prevented injury to the head, ribs, and mouth. However, equipment usage rates varied widely by type and seemed to be underutilized because the equipment affected performance, was uncomfortable, and "not cowboy."

The Rodeo Athlete

A previous instalment to this review focused on the sport science for rodeo, the history behind the sport and what is currently known about the physical and physiological status, coronary risk profile, strength and power levels, event-specific kinesiological and biomechanical aspects, nutritional habits and psychological indices associated with the rodeo athlete. In regards to injury, rodeo is well known for its high-velocity, high-impact atmosphere where athletes compete against the clock and uncooperative livestock. Considered by many to be a dangerous sport with high vulnerability towards trauma and frequent injuries, animal/human contact events comprise ∼80% of reported injuries. Severe trauma includes fractures, dislocations, subluxations, concussions, ligament ruptures, pneumothorax and various neurapraxias. Head and neck trauma account for 10-29% of total trauma and up to 63% of upper body injuries, with concussion incidence rates of 3.4 per 1000 competitive exposures. The incidence of thoracic, back and abdominal injuries comprise 11-84% of trauma, while shoulder injuries, involving anterior/posterior arthralgia, inflammation, instability and increasing weakness, account for 8-15% of upper extremity cases. Lower extremity trauma accounts for 26-34% of cases, with the majority involving the knee. Many believe that the incidence of trauma is underestimated, with studies hampered by numerous limitations such as a lack of injury awareness, missing data, poor injury recall, an array of reporting sources, delays in subject response and treatment, no uniform definition of injury or reporting system and predisposing factors prior to injury. Primary mechanisms of injuries are attributed to physical immaturity, fatigue, age and experience, behaviour, the violent nature of the sport and lack of adequate medical intervention. Although there is limited adherence to organized conditioning programmes, when properly planned, sport-specific conditioning may enhance athletic potential, minimize predisposition to injury and enhance recovery. Education in care and rehabilitation should be spearheaded by the medical community to reduce injury, as several studies have linked trauma to poor technique, inexperience and poor judgement. Medical services should encompass emergency medical oversight for trauma at all levels and press toward preventive care. Competitors should also be cognizant of the signs and symptoms of overtraining, a condition exacerbated by overuse and minimal recovery. The use of helmets, taping, bracing, protective vests, cervical collars and mouthpieces is gaining popularity but has not been thoroughly studied. Guidelines requiring padding of chutes, gates or equipment essential for performance may also avert trauma. Whether increases in knowledge, education and technology are able to reduce predisposition to injury among this population, remains to be seen. As with all high-risk sports, the answer may lie in increased wisdom and responsibility of coaches and athletes to ensure an adequate level of ability, self-control and common sense as they compete in this sport.

The Effects Of Mouthpiece Use During Endurance Exercise On Lactate And Cortisol Levels

Protective mouthpieces have been used in a variety of sports to decrease the risk of orofacial injury. However, there is limited research on the physiological effects of mouthpiece use during exercise. PURPOSE: To investigate the possible effect on lactate and cortisol levels when wearing and not wearing a mouthpiece, the wEdge (Bite-Tech Corp). METHODS: Subjects (n=24), age 18-24, ran at 75 -85% of their maximal heart rate for 30 minutes on 2 separate trials, being randomly assigned the use of the mouthpiece on 1 of the 2 trials. Lactate levels were assessed before, 15 and 30 minutes during, and post 10 minutes exercise. Subjects provided a passive drool sample before and after each exercise bout to assess salivary cortisol levels. RESULTS: Lactate data indicated a significant difference between wearing and not wearing the mouthpiece at 30 minutes exercise (p-value = 0.024). Mean lactate levels at 30 minutes with the mouthpiece was 4.01 mmol/L versus 4.92 mmol/L without the mouthpiece. Mean cortisol levels showed no significant difference between wearing and not wearing the mouthpiece (p-value= 0.111). However, there was a trend towards lower mean cortisol levels with use of the mouthpiece (0.1484 ug/dL) versus no mouthpiece (0.2201 ug/dL). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that use of a mouthpiece may reduce lactate and cortisol increases and thereby improve exercise performance.

The Effects of Mouthpiece Use on Salivary Cortisol Levels During Exercise

The Effects of Mouthpiece Use on Salivary Cortisol Levels During Exercise

Uncertainty in treatment of head-and-neck tumors by use of intraoral mouthpiece and embedded fiducials

To reduce setup error and intrafractional movement in head-and-neck treatment, a real-time tumor tracking radiotherapy (RTRT) system was used with the aid of gold markers implanted in a mouthpiece. Three 2-mm gold markers were implanted into a mouthpiece that had been custom made for each patient before the treatment planning process. Setup errors in the conventional immobilization system using the shell (manual setup) and in the RTRT system (RTRT setup) were compared. Eight patients with pharyngeal tumors were enrolled. The systematic setup errors were 1.8, 1.6, and 1.1 mm in the manual setup and 0.2, 0.3, and 0.3 mm in the RTRT setup in right-left, craniocaudal, and AP directions, respectively. Statistically significant differences were observed with respect to the variances in setup error (p <0.001). The systematic and random intrafractional errors were maintained within the ranges of 0.2-0.6 mm and 1.0-2.0 mm, respectively. The rotational systematic and random intrafractional errors were estimated to be 2.2-3.2 degrees and 1.5-1.6 degrees , respectively. The setup error and planning target volume margin can be significantly reduced using an RTRT system with a mouthpiece and three gold markers.

Use of Facemask and Mouthpiece to Assess Constant-Workrate Exercise Capacity in COPD

To compare the response to constant-workrate cycling exercise between the mouthpiece and the facemask in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Ten patients with COPD (FEV1: 48 +/- 14% pred, mean +/- SD) performed two symptom-limited constant-workrate cycling exercise tests at 80% of their predetermined peak exercise capacity. One test was performed using a mouthpiece and the other with a facemask, in a random order. The endurance time to constant-workrate exercise was compared between the two interfaces. VO2, VCO2, ventilation (VE), inspiratory capacity, dyspnea Borg score, and heart rate responses during exercise were also compared. Endurance time was similar between the two interfaces (mean difference +/- SD, 30 +/- 74 s, P = 0.23). Except for the end-exercise values, which were lower with the facemask, the VO2, VCO2, and VE responses to submaximal exercise were similar between the two interfaces. Perception of dyspnea, inspiratory capacity, and heart rate kinetics were similar during the two exercise tests. No clear preference about either interface was expressed by the patients. The mouthpiece and the facemask can be used with comparable results to determine the endurance time to constant-workrate cycling exercise in patients with COPD. Compared with the mouthpiece, the end-exercise values for VO2, VCO2, and VE were underestimated when a facemask was used. The similar responses in heart rate and symptom perception suggest that this could be due to an air leak at end-exercise with the facemask.

Pulmonary evolution of cystic fibrosis patients colonized by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and/or Burkholderia cepacia.

We analysed the pulmonary evolution (radiological scores and pulmonary function) of 81 cystic fibrosis (CF) patients colonized by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA), by Burkholderia cepacia (BC) or by both these bacteria, compared to a control group. Pulmonary function was compared in the age bracket 6-13 years. Functional vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume (FEV1) values for PA colonized patients were significantly worse than for the control group but better than for children colonized by both organisms. In this last group, the evolution of radiological scores and pulmonary function showed a greater decline 2 years after the first colonization compared to the other groups. FVC and FEV1 values in patients colonized by BC were not worse than these of patients colonized by PA. Moreover, BC affected older patients with advanced lung disease and often previously colonized with PA. These results suggested that co-colonization by PA and BC could be a more deleterious factor on the pulmonary evolution than the isolated colonization by PA or BC, and that BC could be a severity marker rather than a cause. In addition, after starting the utilization of mouthpieces with filter at single use for spirometry in 1993 (without any other change in preventive measures already taken during hospitalization), incidence of BC decreased from 8.2% to zero, and no new case of BC colonization has been observed over the last 4 years. Co-colonization of CF patients by PA and BC is more deleterious for pulmonary evolution than colonization by one of these bacteria alone. Re-inforcement of environmental measures during hospitalization (e.g. use of disposable mouthpieces for spirometry) was sufficient to reduce the transmission of BC.