INTRODUCTION

Temporomandibular disorder in violinists is a health condition that, in its severe forms, can have negative consequences over time. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of temporomandibular disorders in violinists and its relationship with anxiety about musical performance.

METHODOLOGY

A cross-sectional study was carried out on violinists from the central region of Portugal. The information was collected through an online survey. The survey included questions for sociodemographic characterization, years of study of the instrument, weekly time dedicated to the study, the disabling temporomandibular pain-screening instrument for screening for pain because of temporomandibular disorders, the index of inability to assess the impact on functionality, as well as the anxiety index towards Kenny's musical performance.

RESULTS

Forty-nine violinists participated with a mean age of 27.9±9.3 years, mostly female (n=37, 75.5%). The average number of years of violin study was 17.5±7.5 years, and the average number of hours of study per week was 11.8±8.8 hours. The prevalence of temporomandibular disorders was reported by 28.6% of the participants, and a positive association was observed between the presence of temporomandibular disorders and the disability index of temporomandibular disorders (r=0.63; p<0.001), as well as with anxiety about musical performance (r=0.53; p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

For the sample studied, at least one in four violinists has temporomandibular disorders, which is associated with disability and anxiety about musical performance. These findings reinforce the need to sensitize instrumentalists and music teachers about the health risks, as well as the potential impact that this may have on musical performance. Future works may deepen the factors that explain the relationship between anxiety and temporomandibular disorders.

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