[Myofunction in players of wind instruments]

Within the framework of a longitudinal study, tongue function was examined for maximum pressure, force/time ratio and motility with the aid of a force, pressure and impulse transducer in 181 pupils playing wind instruments and 120 control persons. The methods designed for this purpose provided a reproduction of tongue performance during the act of blowing a wind instrument. The results of this study show statistically significant differences between persons who play wind instruments and those who do not and players of other types of instruments. The data derived from these results permit statements about the degree of muscular malfunction among players of wind instruments. Furthermore, they are helpful in the assessment of therapeutic success or failure.