Prevalence of temporomandibular disorder-related findings in violinists compared with control subjects.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine if there is an association between violin playing and the presence of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorder (TMD).

STUDY

DESIGN

We studied a group of violinists in the Murcia region of Spain, who were examined for TMD. The results were compared with those from a random control group who did not play any musical instrument. The groups were matched by age and gender. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS 15.0 statistical software.

RESULTS

Compared with the control subjects, the violinists as a group had significantly more pain in maximum mouth opening (P < .005), parafunctional habits (P = .001), and occurrence of temporomandibular joint sounds (P < .005) as determined by chi-squared.

CONCLUSIONS

Violin playing appears to be a factor associated with TMD-related findings.