Temporomandibular Disorders and Bruxism in Elite Basketball Referees

NCT07662486 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: 2025-15
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 76
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study aims to determine the frequency of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and bruxism in elite basketball referees and to compare the findings with healthy controls. Basketball referees are exposed to high stress levels and maintain a prolonged parafunctional activity by holding a whistle between their teeth during matches, which may increase the risk of TMD and bruxism. Participants will be evaluated using the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD), including Axis I and Axis II assessments. Additionally, ultrasonographic measurements of the masseter and temporalis muscle thickness will be performed both at rest and during clenching. The relationship between TMD, bruxism and ultrasonographic findings will be analyzed.

Conditions

Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD); Bruxism

Keywords

Basketball Referees; Ultrasonography; Masseter muscle; Temporalis Muscle; Bruxism; Temporomandibular joint

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• bruxism

  ultrasonographic measurement of masseter and temporal muscle

  baseline

Study Arms (2)

Elite Basketball Referees

Elite basketball referees officiating in Turkish Basketball Super League of Men or Women during the 2024-2025 season

Healthy Controls

Age-matched healthy individuals without temporomandibular disorders or bruxism

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 50 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Elite Basketball Referees who were actively officiating in the Turkish Basketball Super League of Men and Women during the 2024-2025 season. Healthy Controls who were the individuals aged 18-50 without a history of temporomandibular disorders or bruxism, recruited from hospital staff, patient relatives, and Turkish Basketball Federation employees.

You may qualify if:

• Age between 18-50 years
• Willingness to participate
• Adequate cognitive ability to follow instructions

You may not qualify if:

• Refusal to participate
• Dental or periodontal pain
• History of temporomandibular disorder treatment
• Occlusal abnormalities
• History of head, neck, or jaw surgery
• Use of medications affecting neuromuscular or bone metabolism
• Use of wind instruments (e.g., flute, clarinet, trumpet)

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Istanbul Physical Medicine Rehabilitation Training and Research Hospital: lead

Study Sites (1)

Izel Deniz Pehlivan Çakıcı

Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Temporomandibular Joint Disorders; Bruxism

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Craniomandibular Disorders; Mandibular Diseases; Jaw Diseases; Musculoskeletal Diseases; Joint Diseases; Muscular Diseases; Stomatognathic Diseases; Tooth Diseases; Habits; Behavior

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: CASE CONTROL
• Time Perspective: CROSS SECTIONAL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER GOV
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Medical Doctor

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: June 5, 2026
• First Posted: June 23, 2026
• Study Start: March 15, 2025
• Primary Completion: December 15, 2025
• Study Completion: June 1, 2026
• Last Updated: June 23, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-06

Locations

TU (1)