Self-Reported Temporomandibular Disorder Symptoms and Related Knowledge Among Polish Opera Singers

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine
• Vocal Pedagogy
• Musculoskeletal Health

Background:

• Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are prevalent musculoskeletal conditions affecting adults.
• The demanding nature of operatic singing, including technique and training, may contribute to TMD symptoms.
• Understanding TMD and its warning signs is vital for singers to seek timely medical attention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate self-reported TMD symptoms in Polish opera singers.
• To assess the level of TMD-related knowledge among this population.
• To identify potential correlations between TMD knowledge, symptoms, and vocal technique impact.

Main Methods:

• An online cross-sectional survey was administered to 241 Polish classically trained singers in 2024.
• The Fonseca Anamnestic Index (FAI) was used to screen for TMD symptoms and severity.
• A custom questionnaire addressed TMD knowledge and its perceived effect on vocal technique.

Main Results:

• A high prevalence of TMD symptoms was reported, with 78.4% falling into mild, moderate, or severe categories based on FAI scores.
• 87.1% of participants considered their TMD knowledge poor or only sufficient.
• Despite knowledge gaps, 89.6% recognized TMD's potential negative impact on vocal technique.

Conclusions:

• Frequent TMD-related symptoms were observed in Polish opera singers, highlighting a need for increased awareness.
• Gaps in TMD knowledge were identified, suggesting a need for targeted educational interventions.
• Previous TMD diagnosis correlated with symptom severity, underscoring the importance of early detection and management for vocal health.