To assess the prevalence of TMD in Portuguese professional musicians and to analyze their perception of QoL. As a secondary objective, the aim was to identify the main risk factors that could interfere with the presence of TMD. To assess the prevalence of TMD in Portuguese professional musicians and to analyze their perception of QoL. As a secondary objective, the aim was to identify the main risk factors that could interfere with the presence of TMD.
Cross-sectional analytical observational study with a sample of 271 Portuguese professional musicians. Data collection was realized between May 1, 2023 and February 14, 2024, through online questionnaires, sent to all Portuguese orchestras, philharmonic bands, conservatories and higher education music institutions. The Musculoskeletal Pain Intensity and Interference Questionnaire for Musicians (MPIIQM-Pt) was used to characterize the participants sociodemographically, the Fonseca Anamnesis Questionnaire was used to quantify the degree of severity of TMD symptoms and the SF-12v2 was used to assess the perception of QoL.
61.6% of the study sample was affected by TMD, with a statistically significant association between the presence of TMD and the variables gender (p0.001), age group (p0.001), years of instrumental practice (p0.001) and type of work regime of the participants (p0.001). No statistically significant relationships were found between the presence of TMD and the variables type of instrument used by the participants (p=0.480) and weekly hours of instrumental practice (p=0.979). Regarding QoL, the SF-12v2 scores and respective dimensions (Physical and Psychological) show a inversely proportional linear relationship with the Fonseca Anamnesic Questionnaire score (p0.001). The Psychological Dimension of QoL (score=69.4±17.3) is more affected than the Physical Dimension (score=79.0 ±15.4).
Portuguese professional musicians have a high prevalence of TMD, as well as an affected perception of QoL, and there is a correlation between these variables, indicating that a higher level of TMD severity is associated with lower perceived QoL. It was also concluded that TMD was more prevalent in women, in the younger age group (18-29 years), in professional musicians with 10 to 19 years of practice and who work in the orchestra in a part-time regime.
The results of this study are important for justify, health policies linked to health promotion with the need for physiotherapy intervention
Occupational Health.
Temporomandibular joint dysfunctions
