New research has highlighted a link between wearing a mouth-guard and improved recovery from exercise.
Dr. Wesley Dudgeon (not Wed Dudgeon as incorrectly reported in the Telegraph) leaded a team of researchers from The college of Charleston in South Carolina to investigate the effects on Cortisol (stress hormone) levels in the serum (blood fluid).
The study showed that there was no difference in cortisol levels before exercise. There were also no differences in stress levels 60 minutes after exercise. There was however a noticeable difference in cortisol levels mid point of the exercise and 30 minutes after training with the mouth-guards being worn.
This adds to previous research which included finding lower levels of cortisol in the saliva of American Football players after exercise, and a link between greater Oxygen consumption and production of Carbon Dioxide in those who wear mouth-guards.
Dr. Dudgeon said "The findings are important because decreasing the cortisol response
after exercise may lead to a quicker recovery time which is an important
consideration for those who train daily, such as competitive athletes. The findings also show
the potential to enhance exercise performance without the use of drugs
or supplements".
With or without a mouth-guard is purely your own choice, is having lower cortisol better for performance? This stress hormone increases blood sugar levels for better fight or flight responses. It also aids in the metabolism of macro-nutrients. In the case of a sedentary person cortisol may not be the most useful of hormones, but for professional sports people or others who are physically active (more than 4 hours a day) it can be quite essential.
Stay Healthy!
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