Abstract des Autors

The goal of this study is to objectively analyze the presence of obstacles linked to the use of mouth-guards. Boxers who are already used to wearing gum-shields have been submitted to spirometric and rhynomanometric examinations both in basal condition and during an effort, with or without mouth-guards. By comparing the data obtained during the spirometric examinations, it seems to be evident that the consumption of O2 almost does not vary because the consumption of O2 depends on the quantity of the effort. On the basis of the data that have been gathered, we are able to affirm that mouth guards reduce respiration at low effort while at medium and at high levels the lack is negligible. By means of rhynomanometric examinations it has been observed that physical exercise implies a decrease in nasal resistance due to the use of mouth-guards. We can therefore conclude by affirming that athletes wearing mouth-guards will have more difficulties because of the presence of major nasal obstacles and they will feel the need of breathing through the mouth in order to meet the ventilation requests of human body during physical exercise. Verf.-Referat