Jaw clenching without a mouthguard can work as a strategy to enhance isometric muscle contraction in the upper body, according to a study reported in the Journal of Exercise Science & Fitness (2023; doi: 10.1016/j.jesf.2022.12.004). Debate over whether use of a mouthguard and clenching the jaw during resistance training enhances performance continues. The current study compared no clenching with the use of clenching with and without a mouthguard, on jaw and prime mover muscle activation and force production during a handgrip, bench press and biceps curl. Researchers found no significant differences in isometric force production or prime mover muscle activation, between groups who clenched with and without a mouthguard. Jaw clenching, however, produced significantly better results and may be useful to enhance upper body strength training.
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