Effects of Wearing a Mouth Guard on Cervical Muscle Strength and Muscle Activity

TAKIGAMI Akito, URABE Yukio, MAEDA Noriaki, FUJII Eri, MORIYAMA Nobuaki

doi:10.1589/rika.32.467

[Purpose] The use of a mouth guard has been recommended for the prevention of injuries in contact sports such as rugby football. The objective of this study was to clarify whether there was a change in the muscle activity of the masseter and cervical muscles during maximum isometric neck exercise while wearing a mouth guard. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects of this study were 16 healthy male rugby football club members. Cervical muscle strength and muscle activity of the right masseter, sternocleidomastoid, and splenius muscles were evaluated with and without use of a mouth guard during maximum isometric neck exercise in 8 directions. [Results] While wearing a mouth guard, cervical muscle strength and the muscle activity of the masseter muscle significantly increased during exercise in all 8 directions, and the muscle activity of the sternocleidomastoid significantly increased during exercise in 4 directions. On the other hand, the muscle activity of the splenius showed no difference in activity in any direction, with or without a mouth guard. [Conclusion] Mouth guard use is not only protective; it may also enhance cervical muscle strength.

Effects of Wearing a Mouth Guard on Cervical Muscle Strength and Muscle Activity

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