Over-the-counter performance enhancing mouthguards are unable to decrease blood lactate and improve power output during a Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT)

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Mouthguards are the primary mode of protection against maxillofacial injuries in contact sports, but recent research has also linked performance enhancement to this piece of equipment. The purpose of this study was to test the claims of the Under Armour ArmourBite (UAAB) mouthguard to decrease blood lactate concentration ([BL]) and increase power when compared to a generic over-the-counter mouthguard (OTC) and no mouthguard (NOMG) during an anaerobic performance test. METHODS: Seventeen recreationally active males (23.4 ± 2.7 years; 179.6 ± 7.4 cm; 83.0 ± 14.0 kg) were tested using the 30 s Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT) during three separate testing sessions. RESULTS: There were no differences in [BL] between any of the conditions immediately or 5 min posttest. There were also no differences in peak, relative or average power, or fatigue index during the WAnT. The UAAB mouthguard was therefore unsuccessful in improving anaerobic performance. CONCLUSION: It is likely that more expensive, custom-fit dental mouthguards may be necessary for individuals to see any benefits to athletic performance.