#6 Refined List of Research Topics (freewrite, 5-5-5 minutes)

1. Do mouthguards prevent or lessen the severity of a concussion?

The primary purpose of a mouthguard is to prevent facial and oral injuries.
Certain kinds of mouthguards are more effective because of the way they were made.
Concussions occurr because of the forces that are spread up to the brain.
Mouthguards are a barrier between the force and the brain, so it should potentially limit the force.

2. Should you stretch before activity?

I know the research on this goes both ways.
Depends on the reasoning for stretching; if you are injured, then stretching is good, but if you are not injured then stretching can hinder your level of performance.
Long term stretching is effective, but short term is not.
Stretching prior to an event can decrease your performace.
Dynamic stretching has been proven to be effective before activity, but static stretching has not.

3. What types of mouthguards are more effective?

The thicker the mouthguard, the more effective
Boil and bites are not that effective
Dentist made mouthguards are usually the best
Top and bottom mouthguards should be worn