TITLE:
Evaluation of a Mouthguard Customized Using the Occlusal Position during Maximal Grip Strength to Improve Sports Performance. A Case Report
AUTHORS:
Yoshiro Fujii
KEYWORDS:
Mouthguard, Sports Performance, Bi-Digital O-Ring Test
JOURNAL NAME:
Case Reports in Clinical Medicine,
Vol.8 No.6,
June
18,
2019
ABSTRACT: Two customized mouthguards were developed for a 35-year-old male kickboxer. These were identical in thickness (the vertical dimension between the upper and lower jaws), the material, and similar in form (visible outline); however, one mouthguard was designed such that the horizontal jaw position was determined by the maximal grip strength obtained by the subject during the Bi-Digital O-Ring Test. Both mouthguards were satisfactory in terms of how they felt during wearing and breathing; however, the subject achieved higher kicking force, punching force, and back muscle strength while using the mouthguard with an optimized horizontal jaw position. These findings suggest that to enhance sports performance, it may be important to determine the optimal biting position. The grip strength obtained during the Bi-Digital O-Ring Test is a useful parameter for this assessment.