Abstract
The effects of wearing an intra-oral device on several ventilatory and fatigue
markers have been reported for a variety of sports. The quality of the figures
performed in synchronized swimming is directly affected by fatigue, and can be
monitored during training sessions (TS). The aim of the study was to investigate
the acute effects of wearing customized intra-oral devices on heart rate
variability, rating of perceived exertion, blood lactate accumulation, and
salivary cortisol production during a competitive training session. Twelve
highly trained elite female athletes (age: 21.0±3.6 years) participated
in the study. Fatigue markers were assessed at the beginning and at the end of
the 3rd and 5th afternoon TS for that week, once with and
once without an intra-oral device, in random order. Salivary cortisol levels
were higher in relation to the baseline in the intra-oral device condition
(P<0.05) but not in athletes without an intra-oral device. No
differences between conditions were found in rating of perceived exertion
(P=0.465) and blood lactate (P=0.711). No time
or condition interactions or main effects were shown for heart rate variability.
Thus, there is no evidence that wearing a low-arch intra-oral device is a good
recommendation for high-standard athletes performing long and stressful
routines.
Key words
mouthguard - ergogenic effects - fatigue - training load - performance
