Edgar Gallardo

Major: Kinesiology
School of Health & Human Sciences

What is the Effect of Antibacterial Mouthwash on Muscle Speed and Power?

The consumption of dietary nitrate has shown to reduce blood pressure and increase muscle speed and power, as a result of increased nitric oxide production via the enterosalivary nitrate-nitrite-nitric oxide pathway. Conversely, antibacterial mouthwash use has been shown to reduce NO availability and cause significant increases in systolic blood pressure. However, the effects of antibacterial mouthwash on muscle contractile function are not known. Our study aims to determine the effects of antibacterial mouthwash use on muscle speed and power in young adults.

Mentor: Andy Coggan