Temporomandibular dysfunction affects aerobic capacity in females: A preliminary study.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the aerobic capacity in patients with temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) and to compare the results with those of the asymptomatic individuals.Methods: The TMD group included a total of 31 females between the ages of 18 and 25 years. The control group consisted of 31 asymptomatic females with an age range of 18 to 27 years. A graded exercise test was performed using an electronically braked arm crank ergometer. An indirect calorimeter system was used to calculate the peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak). In addition, peak heart rate (HRpeak) and respiratory quotient were calculated for each participant.Results: The TMD group had lower VO2peak (p = 0.017) and HRpeak (p = 0.012) in aerobic capacity tests; however, respiratory quotient was similar in both groups (p = 0.446).Discussion: The TMD group had lower aerobic capacity compared to the asymptomatic individuals.