Effects of a Thermoformable Mouthguard on Cervical Posture and Running Performance in Non-professional Runners

A prospective within-subject pilot study was conducted in nine non-professional runners. Each participant was assessed under two conditions : natural occlusion and thermoformable mouthguard. Static cervical posture was evaluated using the craniovertebral angle. Running performance was assessed recording heart rate, respiratory rate and running pace.

Inclusion criteria

• Students from Universidad Europea de Valencia enrolled in dentistry and physiotherapy programs, aged between 18 and 25 years
• Regularly engaged in running training, with at least one year of experience
• Already participated in an official half marathon
• Good general health status
• Willingness to comply with the study protocol and provision of written informed consent prior to participation

Exclusion criteria

• Subjects reporting a history of muscular injuries, active inflammatory or infectious processes in the last 6 months
• Known cardiovascular diseases
• Pregnancy
• Use of orthopedic shoe insoles
• Use of mouthguard during running

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• Recruitment

• Participants assessed for eligibility (n = 17)
• Excluded (n = 8):
• Declined participation due to lack of time (n = 3)
• Did not meet the inclusion criteria (n = 5)
• Allocation and follow-up

• Participants included in the study (n = 9)
• Assigned to both conditions (within-subject design):
• Natural occlusion condition (n = 9)
• Thermoformable mouthguard condition (n = 9)
• Completed follow-up (n = 9)
• Analysis - Participants included in the final analysis (n = 9)