Influence of Dental Occlusion on the Performance of High Level Rowers (IODPR)

Influence of Dental Occlusion on the Performance of High Level Rowers (IODPR)

Monocentric, prospective, randomized, open-label, cross-over study.

Current literature data suggest that dental occlusion has an influence on postural control in the general population, and more markedly in high-level athletes. The link between dental occlusion and the postural stability of top athletes has been studied in several disciplines such as basketball, shooting, golf and running. There is currently no data in the field of rowing. But this sport requires optimal postural control for synchronous and symmetrical muscle solicitation.

The present study aims to evaluate the influence of dental occlusion on postural stability and the performance of high level rowers.

Our assumptions are as follows:

• Occlusal disturbance alters the muscular power developed by high level rowers
• occlusal disturbance alters the static postural stability of high level rowers

Inclusion Criteria:

• High level rower, part of the Lille Rowing Hope Pole;
• At least 15 years old;
• Training at the Centre de Ressources, d'Expertise et de Performance Sportive (CREPS) de Wattignies during the period from 01/09/2017 to 31/10/2017;
• Having at least 28 natural or prosthetic teeth in occlusion;
• Not having consumed alcohol in the last 24 hours before the recordings;
• whose parents have given free, informed and written consent for minors;
• Having given free and informed consent, in writing supplemented by the consent of at least one holder of parental authority, if he is a minor;
• Affiliated, himself or through his parents if he is a minor, to a social security scheme.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Current antecedent(s) or pathology(s) likely to disturb the balance: neurological, ear nose and throat, ophthalmological, orthopedic;
• Temporomandibular joint disorder (s) (pain and / or noise);
• Orofacial symptoms (headache, tinnitus, facial myalgia, bruxism);
• Dental and / or periodontal care in progress;
• Chronic pain requiring daily use of analgesics for more than three months;
• Pregnant or lactating woman;
• Concurrent participation in another study;
• Major persons subject to legal protection (safeguard of justice, guardianship, tutorship) and persons deprived of their liberty.