RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Several studies have been proposed with the aim to demonstrate correlations between the dento-mandibular apparatus and the skeletal muscle system of the human body even in regions distant from the oral cavity. However, a definite conclusion cannot be drawn. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate a possible correlation between dental occlusion and sport performances in track and field athletes. METHODS: Sixteen track and field athletes were enrolled for the study and were randomly divided in three groups: Untreated control group, Placebo group (with a lower plaque without occlusal coverage) and Treated group (with occlusal splint). Changes in sprint and jump performance were assessed on a weekly basis for 5 consecutive weeks, during which athletes had to wear oral devices, except for the first week of baseline, for at least 3 trainings lasting 2 hours per week . All participants performed the countermovement jump (CMJ), the drop jump (DJ), the 10m and 30m sprint tests, always on the same day on the week. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference resulted between Control group and Placebo group and between Control group and Treated group. However, it was possible to observe a clinical improvement of measurements obtained, especially for CMJ, 10m and 30m sprint tests. No variation neither statistical neither clinical was observed in DJ test analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Even if statistically it was not possible to demonstrate an improvement in sport performance, most of the athlete analyzed showed better results during training session with occlusal splint compared to athlete without occlusal splint, in countermovement jump, in 10m and 30m sprint tests.
Asunto(s)
Rendimiento Atlético , Atletismo , Atletas , Humanos , Fuerza Muscular , Ferulas OclusalesRESUMEN
PURPOSE: To describe and identify individual trends and changes in training load, neuromuscular readiness, and perceptual fatigue measures in 2 youth elite long jumpers, finalists at the European Athletics U18 (Under 18) Championships (athlete A, female, age 16.5 y, long-jump record 6.25 m; athlete B, male, age 16.0 y, long-jump record 7.28 m). METHODS: Data were collected from both training sessions and athletics competitions during a 16-week period, divided into a preparation (weeks 1-8) and a competitive phase (weeks 9-16). Training load was computed through training diaries (training time, sprint, jumping, and weights volume). The countermovement jump and the 10-to-5 repeated-jump test were executed on a weekly basis to assess neuromuscular readiness, and perceptual fatigue measures were collected through a wellness questionnaire. Statistical analysis was conducted using a magnitude-based decisions approach. RESULTS: The results highlighted a decrease in training load during the competitive period with moderate to large differences for training time, sprint, and jump volume. Moreover, data showed an upward trend and very likely higher scores in vertical-jump performance across the competitive phase together with a very likely lower perceptual fatigue. CONCLUSIONS: This scenario seemed to be favorable to achieve competition performance very close to the personal record during the competitive season. This study provided an example of application of a comprehensive monitoring system with young athletes involved in track-and-field jumping events.