Does lifestyle modification (physical exercise and listening to music) improve symptoms in patients with a temporomandibular disorder? A randomized clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to compare pain relief in temporomandibular disorder (TMD) patients with or without lifestyle modification.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized clinical trial was performed on patients with TMD, who did not regularly exercise or listen to music. The participants were allocated into two groups. In the treatment group, the participants were instructed to exercise five times or more per week (30 minutes per session) and listen to the music of their choice five times or more per week (15 minutes per session) for 12 weeks. In the control group, the participants had their usual lifestyle without any modifications. The participants were examined for clicking and crepitus in the joint and maximum mouth opening before and after the intervention. The pain severity was also documented based on a visual analog scale.

RESULTS: Thirty five patients were studied in each group. Twelve weeks after the intervention, the mean pain severity was 2.70 ± 0.73 in the treatment group and 4.63 ± 0.77 in the control group. The results of data analysis demonstrated a significant difference between the two groups regarding the mean pain severity at 12 weeks after the intervention ( P <.001).

CONCLUSIONS: Lifestyle modification through physical exercise and listening to music may reduce pain in TMD patients.