Effect of noncustom bimolar 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 (VE), oxygen uptake (VO2), and heart rate were measured in 12 university varsity female ice hockey players while these players were skating on 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 VE and VO2 were similar (P > 0.05) with and without a noncustom bimolar mouthguard at submaximal effort. The mean VE at maximal effort (VEmax) 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 (VO2max) was significantly lower (P < 0.05) using the mouthguard (48.8 mL.kg.min) compared with without a mouthguard (52.4 mL.kg.min). 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.