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Athletes wear mouthguards to decrease the risk of injuries. However, many athletes resist wearing mouthguards due to problems with speech and breathing during play. Breathing difficulties may suggest limitations with ventilation. The purpose of this study was to examine peak inspiratory and peak expiratory air flow at different ventilatory rates using various types of mouthguards and a no mouthguard condition. Mouthguards were fitted into a dental model and air was ventilated through the model at three flow rates (30, 45, 60 strokes·min-1) using 2 and 3 L syringes. Flows were recorded using a Medisoft Ergocard. Peak flows (L·s -1) were recorded for 10 strokes during each condition. At 180 L·min -1, only bimolar mouthguards impeded air flow compared to the no mouthguard condition. In addition, the Shock Doctor bimolar mouthguard experienced decreased peak values compared to several mouthguards. Results suggest that peak flow is lowered at high ventilation with bimolar mouthguards.

Typescript. / Digitized by Kansas Correctional Industries