Exercise Science

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This collection includes scholarly output from both faculty and students in Exercise Science.

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    Exploring Training Strategies to Optimize Court Performance in Older Pickleball Athletes
    (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, WK Health, 2023) Terrell, Sara Lynn; Ficquette, Preston
    Pickleball is one of the fastest growing racket sports in the United States because of its high social engagement and ability to facilitate physical and emotional well-being. Although participation trends indicate the sport appeals to an array of ages and abilities, the highest purported participant demographic is 55 years and older. In spite of its rising popularity, there is limited strength and conditioning research exploring training strategies for pickleball athletes. Therefore, this article details how pickleball is played, the sport's movement and physiological demands, and injury risks. An example training program targeting the older pickleball athlete is provided.
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    Adolescent weight and health behaviors and their associations with individual, social, and parental factors
    (Human Kinetics, 2018) Baker, Kayla M.; Healy, Sean; Rice, David J.; Garcia, Jeanette M.
    Background: To examine the associations and differences between gender and weight classification for physical activity (PA) and individual, social, and parental factors. Methods: Data from wave 2 of the "Growing up in Ireland" national study were used, resulting in a sample of 7525 13-year-old adolescents. Information on factors affecting adolescents' social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development was collected. Results: Overweight (OW) adolescents were more likely to exercise and restrict food for weight loss and less likely to perform moderate to vigorous PA than normal weight adolescents. Parent body mass index was associated with adolescent body mass index for OW and normal weight adolescents, with the strongest association seen with OW females. Parents of OW adolescents considered themselves to be more OW and less physically active than parents of normal weight adolescents. Furthermore, for all groups, a greater amount of moderate to vigorous PA was associated with less television viewing, greater PA of parents, and a greater number of friends. Conclusion: Parental health behaviors play a significant role in adolescents' bodyweight, representing the necessity for more constructive health behaviors and PA among parents. Future interventions may be strengthened by focusing specifically on gender and body mass index, while taking into consideration the importance of parental behaviors on adolescents. ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR
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    Psychosocial and friend influences on objective sedentary behavior and screen time: A mixed methods analysis
    (Human Kinetics Publishers, Inc., 2017-03) Garcia, Jeanette M.; Agaronov, Alen; Sirard, John R.; Whaley, Diane; Rice, David J. (Florida Southern College Student); Weltman, Arthur
    Sedentary behavior (SB) increases throughout adolescence, and is associated with adverse health outcomes. Purpose: Examine psychosocial and friend influences on SB and screen time in adolescents using a mixed-methods design. Methods: 108 middle and high school students wore accelerometers to measure objective SB, completed screen time and psychosocial questionnaires, and nominated friends to complete activity questionnaires. Focus groups centered around influences on SB behavior. Regression analyses and NVivo software analyzed quantitative and qualitative data. Results: Screen time was associated with greater screen time enjoyment, lower self-efficacy, and friends' screen time (r² = .21, P < .0001). Friends influenced whether adolescents engaged in screen time behaviors, with active friends encouraging less screen time. Conclusion: Active friends influenced adolescents to engage in less SB. Interventions should place an emphasis on encouraging less screen time, and providing opportunities for adolescents and their friends to engage in activities that promote physical activity rather than SB. ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR
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    Implementation Fidelity of a Mindfulness-Based Yoga Program for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Their Families: a Pilot Study
    (Springer International Publishing, 2019) Garcia, Jeanette M.; Baker, Kayla; Diaz, Morgan R.; Tucker, Jennifer E.; Kelchner, Viki P.; Rice, David J. (Florida Southern College Student)
    Families with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may benefit from mindfulness-based interventions; however, few studies have examined such programs. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to demonstrate the implementation fidelity of a mindfulness-based yoga program for children with ASD and their families. Eight children and their families participated in separate, concurrent yoga sessions of identical curriculum. Implementation fidelity was assessed through observations and participant/instructor interviews. The study showed a high degree of implementation fidelity with standardized curriculum instruction, positive responsiveness from participants, and unique aspects of program differentiation. Results indicate that a mindfulness-based yoga program, providing separate sessions for both children and their families, may be especially beneficial to the entire family and enhance family relationships.
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    Association of physiological and psychological health outcomes with physical activity and sedentary behavior in adults with type 2 diabetes
    (British Medical Association, 2017-03) Garcia, Jeanette M; Cox, Daniel; Rice, David J.
    Abstract Purpose To examine the association between change in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary behavior (SB) over a 6-month period with physiological and psychological factors in adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Methods Participants included 26 middle-aged (mean age=56.1±10.8 years; 42% women), overweight/obese (mean body mass index (BMI) =37.22±8.78 kg/m2) adults who had been diagnosed with T2D within the past 5 years (mean HbA1c=7.81%). Participants underwent a physical examination, blood tests, and psychological questionnaires, including a self-report questionnaire that assessed the consumption of high glycemic and low glycemic load foods. Participants wore an Actigraph accelerometer for 7 days to assess MVPA and SB. All measures were collected at baseline and at the 6-month follow-up. Spearman rank correlations and regression models were conducted to examine the relationship between activity variables, and the association of activity measures with health outcomes at the 6-month follow-up. Results Decreases in duration of SB bouts and increases in MVPA were associated with decreased levels of HbA1c (p<0.05). Over 50% of the variance in HbA1c levels could be attributed to changes in MVPA and SB. Conclusions MVPA and SB were independently associated with diabetes-related health outcomes. Results suggest that emphasis should be placed on increasing MVPA while decreasing SB, particularly duration of SB bouts. This suggests that even small changes in daily behavior may contribute to improvement in diabetes-related health outcomes.
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    The individual, social, and environmental correlates of physical activity and screen time in irish children: Growing up in ireland study
    (Human Kinetics Publishers, Inc., 2016-12) Garcia, Jeanette M.; Healy, Sean; Rice, David J.
    The aim of this study was to use a social-ecological approach to examine the influence of individual, social, and environmental factors on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and screen-time in a sample of 9-year-old children in Ireland. Methods: The sample was 1509 boys and girls from the Growing Up in Ireland (GUI) national study. MVPA, screen time, and individual, social, and environmental variables were assessed via questionnaires completed by children, their parents, and their teachers. Multiple regression was used to identify factors that correlated with children's MVPA and screen-time levels. Results: For boys, factors such as activity with friends (P < .0001) and popularity (P < .01) were associated with MVPA, while factors such as BMI (P < .01) and MVPA (P < .01) were associated with screen time. Similarly for girls, factors such as activity with friends (P < .0001) and sociability were associated with MVPA, however factors such as BMI (P < .05), and access to play space (P < .05) were more closely associated with screen time. Conclusion: Social factors were more closely associated with MVPA, while individual factors were significantly correlated with screen time for both boys and girls. Correlates differed for boys and girls, suggesting that interventions should consider both the target population as well as the activity behavior. ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR
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    The association among demographic factors, health behaviors and sleep quality in youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder
    (Elsevier Inc., 2020-07) Garcia, Jeanette M.; Leahy, Nicholas; Rivera, Paola; Brazendale, Keith; Rice, David J.
    Background A majority of youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have disrupted sleep patterns, but there has been limited research examining factors associated with sleep in this population. Objective: The objective of this study was to compare demographic and lifestyle behaviors with sleep quality in youth with ASD. Methods: A total of 49 children (12.44 years; 78% male) with ASD wore the Actigraph GT9X accelerometer over seven days and nights to assess moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), sedentary behavior (SB), total sleep duration, and sleep efficiency. Parents reported their child’s weekly amount of screen time and demographic information. Participants were classified according to whether they met sleep criteria for duration and efficiency (8–9 h of sleep duration and ≥85% sleep efficiency). T-tests and ANOVA were used to compare demographic and lifestyle factors between the groups. Results: Participants who meet both sleep duration and efficiency criteria had greater minutes of MVPA per day (113.65 min/day) than participants who only met sleep efficiency criteria (40.27 min/day) and participants who did not meet either sleep criteria (67.5 min/day; p < 0.0001). Additionally, participants who met both sleep criteria had fewer minutes of SB compared to those who only met sleep efficiency criteria (384.79 vs 526.05 min/day; p = 0.02). Conclusions: Youth who had indicators of good sleep quality had greater amounts of MVPA and lower amounts of SB. Studies should further examine the relationship between sleep and health behaviors in youth with ASD to determine causal mechanisms, leading to more effective sleep interventions.
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    The Influence of Friends and Psychosocial Factors on Physical Activity and Screen Time in Normal and Overweight Adolescents: A Mixed-Methods Analysis.
    (Sage Publications, 2019-01) Garcia, Jeanette M; Sirard, John R.; Whaley, Diane E.; Rice, David J.; Baker, Kayla; Weltman, Arthur
    Understanding factors that influence physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior is crucial to develop interventions to improve adolescents' health-related behaviors.Purpose: To compare the influence of friends and psychosocial factors on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and screen time (ST) between normal weight (NW) and overweight (OW) adolescents.Methods: In all, 21 OW and 21 NW adolescents wore accelerometers and completed questionnaires assessing MVPA, ST, and psychosocial variables. The MVPA and ST were assessed in nominated friends. Adolescents participated in focus groups assessing influence on activity behaviors.Results: There were no differences in MVPA; however, NW adolescents reported less ST than OW adolescents (8.9 vs 13.1 h/wk, P = .04). For OW adolescents, friends' ST ( P = .002) and psychosocial factors ( P = .05) were associated with ST, while only PA self-efficacy was associated with MVPA. For NW adolescents, only friends' MVPA ( P = .04) was associated with self-reported PA. Exploratory analyses revealed differences among weight status and gender. Focus group discussions revealed that friends influenced both OW and NW adolescents' MVPA; however, this appeared to be more apparent for NW males, while psychosocial factors played a role in both OW and NW females. The OW adolescents reported that friends were more of an influence on their ST levels, while NW adolescents indicated that their ST was not affected by their friends' behaviors.Conclusions: Interventions to increase MVPA and/or decrease ST may need to be tailored for NW and OW adolescents. ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR
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    Functional Movement Screening and Paddle-Sport Performance.
    (MDPI, 2017) Hatchett, Andrew; Allen, Charles R.; Hilaire, Jake St.; LaRochelle, Alex
    The purpose of the study reported here was to determine the relationship between an endurance paddle-sport athlete’s total functional movement screening (FMS) score and individual race performance. Fifty elite level endurance canoeists and kayakers completed the seven-stage FMS protocol prior to the 2016 United States Canoe and Kayak Association National Championship race. Time taken to finish the race was then associated to overall FMS score and respective sub-scores. Total FMS score and various sub-scores were significantly related to race performance. Female and male athletes differed in which sub-scores were shown to be significantly correlated to finishing time. Outcomes from this study indicate that limitations in functional movement are related to endurance paddle-sport race performance. ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR
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    The impact of health education on physical activity correlates in college students.
    (Taylor & Francis, 2021-01-24) Maldari, Monica M.; Garcia, Jeanette M.; Rice, David J.
    Abstract Objective To examine the effects of a 15-week, conceptually based university health/wellness course on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) levels, psychosocial factors, and health-related fitness knowledge (HRFK). Participants: 125 undergraduates enrolled during spring 2016 semester. Methods: Participants completed pre- and post-course surveys with questions on MVPA levels, exercise self-efficacy (SE), exercise motivation, and HRFK. Wilcoxon rank sum tests examined changes in SE, motivation, and HFRK. A multiple regression analysis examined associations among HRFK, psychosocial factors, and MVPA. Results: HRFK and MVPA increased from baseline to post-course assessment (p<.01). An increase in SE was associated with an increase in MVPA (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Enrollment in a conceptually based health/wellness course may increase MVPA and HRFK in college students. Although the increase in SE post-course was not significant, it was associated with an increase in MVPA. These results support adoption of health/wellness programming to attenuate decreases in MVPA typically observed in college students. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)
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    Cardiac Autonomic Function Following Bilateral and Unilateral Upper Body Acute Resistance Exercise
    (Pub Med, 2022-05-17) Marshall, Erica M.; Parks, Jason C.; Erb, Emily K.; Humm, Stacie M.; Kingsley, J. Derek
    The purpose of this study was to compare cardiac autonomic responses following bilateral and unilateral upper-body (UB) acute resistance exercise (ARE). In total, 14 individuals were assessed for markers of cardiac autonomic responses via heart rate variability (HRV) and baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) at rest and at 10- and 30-min following ARE. Logarithmically transformed (ln) HRV measures included: total power (ln TP), high-frequency power (ln HF power), low-frequency power (ln LF power), sympathovagal balance (ln LF: HF), and the square root of the mean squared differences of successive R-R intervals (ln RMSSD). BRS was assessed using the sequence method. Two-way repeated measures ANOVAs were used to analyze effects of UB ARE (bilateral, unilateral) across time (Rest, 10, and 30 min). There were no significant ( p > 0.05) interactions. However, there were significant ( p ≤ 0.05) main effects of time such that ln TP, ln HF power, ln RMSSD, and BRS decreased and did not recover within 30 min compared to Rest for both conditions. Collectively, this study suggests that bilateral and unilateral UB ARE yielded similar reductions, for at least 30 min, in respect to vagal measures of HRV and BRS.
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    Vascular Responses to High-Intensity Battling Rope Exercise between the Sexes
    (Journal of Sports Science & Medicine, 2021-06) Marshall, Erica M.; Parks, Jason C.; Singer, Tyler J.; Tai, Yu Lun; DeBord, Alexa R.; Humm, Stacie M.; Kingsley, J. Derek
    The purpose of the study was to assess high-intensity battling rope exercise (HI-BRE) on hemodynamics, pulse wave reflection and arterial stiffness during recovery and between sexes. Twentythree young, healthy resistance-trained individuals (men: n = 13; women: n = 10) were assessed for all measures at Rest, as well as 10-, 30-, and 60-minutes following HI-BRE. A one-way repeated measures ANOVA was used to analyze the effects of HI-BRE across time (Rest, 10, 30, and 60-minutes) on all dependent variables. Significant main effects were analyzed using paired t-tests with a Sidak correction factor. Significance was accepted a priori at p - 0.05. There were significant reductions in hemodynamic measures of diastolic blood pressure (BP) in women, but not men following HI-BRE at 30 minutes. Further, measures of pulse wave reflection, specifically those of the augmentation index (AIx) and wasted left ventricular energy (-Ew), were significantly increased in both men and women for 60 minutes, but changes were significantly attenuated in women suggesting less ventricular work. There were also significant increases in arterial stiffness in regard to the aorta and common carotid artery that were fully recovered by 30 and 60 minutes, respectively with no differences between men and women. Thus, the primary findings of this study suggest that measures of hemodynamics and pulse wave reflection are collectively altered for at least 60 minutes following HIBRE, with women having attenuated responses compared to men.
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    Effects of a Cool-Down after Supramaximal Interval Exercise on Autonomic Modulation
    (MDPI Country of Publication: Switzerland, 2022-04-29) Parks, Jason C.; Marshall, Erica M.; Humm, Stacie M.; Erb, Emily K.; Kingsley, J. Derek
    Supramaximal interval exercise alters measures of autonomic modulation, while a cool-down may speed the recovery of vagal modulation. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of a cool-down (pedaling a cycle ergometer at 50 rpm against a resistance of 45 W) versus passive recovery (no pedaling) after supramaximal interval exercise on autonomic modulation. Sixteen moderately active individuals (Mean ± SD: 23 ± 3 years (men: n = 10; women: n = 6) were assessed for autonomic modulation at Rest, and 15 (R15), 30 (R30), 45 (R45) and 60 (R60) min following supramaximal interval exercise. Linear measures of autonomic modulation included natural log (ln) total power (lnTP), high-frequency power (lnHF), the ratio of low frequency (LF) to HF ln(LF/HF) ratio, root mean square of successive differences between normal heartbeats (lnRMSSD), while non-linear measures included sample entropy (SampEn) and Lempel-Ziv entropy (LZEn). Two-way repeated ANOVAs were used to evaluate the main effects of condition (cool-down, passive recovery) across time (Rest, and R15, R30, R45 and R60). There were significant ( p ≤ 0.05) condition by time interactions for SampEn and LZEn, such that they decreased at 15, 30, 45 and 60 min during passive recovery compared to Rest, with the recovery of SampEn and LZEn by 60 and 45 min, respectively, during cool-down. There were significant ( p ≤ 0.05) main effects of time for lnTP, lnHF and lnRMSSD, such that lnTP, lnHF and lnRMSSD were attenuated, and lnLF/HF ratio was augmented, at all recovery times compared to Rest. These data demonstrate that a cool-down increases the recovery of nonlinear measures of vagal modulation within 45-60 min after supramaximal interval exercise, compared to passive recovery in moderately active individuals.
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    Hemodynamic response and pulse wave analysis after upper- and lower-body resistance exercise with and without blood flow restriction
    (Routledge/Taylor & Francis, 2021-10) Tai, Yu L.; Marshall, Erica M.; Parks, Jason C.; Kingsley, J. Derek
    Resistance exercise (RE) has been shown to elevate hemodynamics and pulse wave reflection. However, the effects of acute RE with blood flow restriction (BFR) on hemodynamics and pulse wave reflection are unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the differences between upper- and lower-body RE with and without BFR on hemodynamics and pulse wave reflection. Twenty-three young resistance-trained individuals volunteered for the study. Hemodynamics and pulse wave reflection were assessed at rest, 10, 25, 40, and 55 min after either upper- or lower-body with or without BFR. The upper-body RE (URE) consisted of the latissimus dorsi pulldown and chest press; the lower-body RE (LRE) consisted of knee extension and knee flexion. The BFR condition consisted of four sets of 30, 15, 15, and 15 repetitions at 30% 1-repetition maximum (1RM) while the without BFR condition consisted of four sets of 8 repetitions at 70% 1RM. Heart rate, rate pressure product, and subendocardial viability ratio significantly (p < 0.05) increased after all exercises. Brachial and aortic systolic blood pressure (BP) significantly (p < 0.05) elevated after LRE while brachial and aortic diastolic BP significantly (p < 0.05) reduced after URE. Augmentation pressure, augmentation index (AIx), AIx normalized at 75 bpm, and wasted left ventricular pressure energy significantly (p < 0.05) increased after URE while transit time of reflected wave significantly (p < 0.05) decreased after LRE. URE places greater stress on pulse wave reflection while LRE results in greater responses in BP. Regardless of URE or LRE, the cardiovascular responses between BFR and without BFR are similar.HIGHLIGHTS High-load resistance exercise and low-load resistance exercise with blood flow restriction may produce similar cardiovascular responses.Upper-body resistance exercise generates greater changes on pulse wave reflections while lower-body resistance exercise induces greater elevations in systolic blood pressure.
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    Exploring Nonoperative Exercise Interventions for Individuals with Femoroacetabular Impingement
    (American College of Sports Medicine, 2019-01) Terrell, Sara Lynn; Lynch, James M.
    APPLY IT!Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is characterized by pathologic contact during hip range of motion, with aggravating movements most noted in hip flexion, adduction, and internal rotation. Hip impingement diagnoses and surgeries are becoming an increasingly prevalent concern with todayʼs athletes and general population. Exploration of nonoperative exercise interventions is warranted. Exercise professionals can safely improve postural alignment, core stabilization, gluteal activation, and range of motion in individuals with FAI.Morphological correction and prevention of hip osteoarthritis are often primary reasons to support arthroscopy for individuals with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). However, exploration of nonsurgical approaches such as exercise intervention focused on postural alignment, core stabilization, and gluteal activation may improve motor control and hip stabilization strength and provide a nonoperative alternative to surgery.
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    Femoroacetabular Impingement: Why Movement Literacy Matters.
    (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2019-12) Terrell, Sara Lynn; Lynch, James M.
    Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is characterized by pathologic contact during hip range of motion. Morphological variations of FAI present as either an acetabular overcoverage (PINCERFAI), spherical femoral deformity (CAM FAI), or both. Such morphological changes often elicit discomfort with aggravating movements most noted in hip flexion, adduction, and internal rotation (FADIR). Etiology of the CAM deformity may be linked to force loads experienced during formative bone growth periods in youth and adolescent athletes. Continued exploration of CAM FAI etiology may provide evidence for strength and conditioning professionals to carefully consider exercise training selection to promote movement literacy in youth populations. ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR
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    Therapeutic Exercise Approaches to Nonoperative and Postoperative Management of Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome.
    (Allen Press Publishing Services Inc., 2021-01) Terrell, Sara Lynn; Olson, Gayle E.; Lynch, James M.
    Femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) is characterized by premature contact of the femur and acetabulum during hip motion. Morphologic variations of FAIS present as either aspherical femoral deformity (cam femoroacetabular impingement) or overcoverage (pincer femoroacetabular impingement) or both. Patients with FAIS often describe discomfort with hip flexion, adduction, and internal rotation. The use of hip arthroscopy to treat FAIS has risen substantially over the last 15 years. Given that one practice domain of the athletic training profession involves injury prevention and wellness protection, optimal FAIS treatment and management strategies warrant discussion. Sports medicine professionals often help patients with FAIS explore nonoperative exercise strategies and direct rehabilitation exercises for those who pursue surgery. Both approaches demonstrate key pillars of exercise program design, which include postural control, core stabilization, hip strength and motor control, and mobility. The purpose of this article is 2-fold: to present an overview of FAIS, including common diagnostic strategies, and commonalities in therapeutic approaches between nonoperative and postoperative rehabilitation for the treatment and management of patients with FAIS. ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR
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    The Effects of Various Weighted Implements on Baseball Swing Kinematics in Collegiate Baseball Players
    (National Strength & Conditioning Association, 2019-05) Williams, Charles C.; Gdovin, Jacob R.; Wilson, Samuel J.; Cazas-Moreno, Vanessa L.; Eason, John D.; Hoke, Elizabeth L.; Allen, Charles R.; Wade, Chip; Garner, John C.
    The effects of various weighted implements on baseball swing kinematics in collegiate baseball players. J Strength Cond Res 33(5): 1347-1353, 2019-The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different warm-up (WU) devices on bat swing parameters including maximal resultant velocity (MRV), resultant velocity at ball contact (RVBC), time difference between MRV and RVBC, bat angle at MRV, bat angle at RVBC, and perceptual differences of each WU implement used by National Collegiate Athletic Association Division-I baseball players. Fifteen varsity baseball players completed 1 experimental session during fall training. Retroreflective markers were placed on the bat and tee to measure basic bat kinematics during the swing. Participants completed a general calisthenics WU before being counter-balanced into 1 of 4 WU conditions: standard bat (SB) (33 in/30 oz), fungo (10.6 oz), weighted gloves with SB (weighted gloves) (55.6 oz) and donut with SB (donut) (55.6 oz). Each participant was asked to perform their normal on-deck routine over a 2- minute period, finishing with 5 practice swings with the designated condition. After completion of the WU, a 1 -minute rest period (simulating normal game conditions) was given to allow each participant to get set to perform 5 maximal swings with a SB. Five, 1 X 4 (group X condition) repeated measures analysis of variance examined the aforementioned variables. There were no significant differences in MRV, RVBC, time difference between MRV and RVBC, and bat angle at MRV and RVBC between all WU conditions. If presented with the current options, athletes should choose the WU implement with which they are most comfortable using before an at-bat situation. ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR
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    The acute effect of a commercial bite-aligning mouthpiece on strength and power in recreationally trained men
    (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2014-02) Allen, Charles R.; Dabbs, Nicole C.; Zachary, Coury S.; Garner, John C.
    Because of the relative newness of mouthpieces, there are few investigations into using performance mouthpieces during sport and physical activity to substantiate claims of performance enhancement. The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute effect of a commercially available, noninjury preventive, performance mouthpiece on practical acute performance measures of power and strength. A within-subjects design was used to evaluate 21 (N = 21) recreationally trained college aged males on the performance of a maximum countermovement vertical jump (CMVJ) from a force platform and 1 repetition maximum (1RM) bench press exercise for the following conditions: with mouthpiece (MP) and without mouthpiece (noMP). Rate of force development (RFD) and peak vertical force (PF) were derived from force platform data. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences between conditions for CMVJ height (p = 0.13), RFD at 200 ms (p = 0.09), PF (p = 0.08), and 1RM bench press (p = 0.45). These data indicate that the use of this particular jaw aligning mouthpiece specifically in an attempt to produce an ergogenic effect on performance is unwarranted.