Choir singing as an activity to manage anxiety and temporomandibular disorders: Reports from a Brazilian sample

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate anxiety, stress and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) among a sample of participants that practice choir singing as a recreational activity. As the literature shows the positive effects of choir singing on mental and physical health, we hypothesized that anxiety, stress and TMD symptoms would be less frequent in the choir group when compared to participants from the general population. The choir group included 33 adults who participated weekly in a choral singing group as a recreational activity and the comparison group included 40 participants from the general population. Choir singers had significantly lower levels of anxiety and TMD. A significant positive correlation was observed between anxiety and TMD scores. The groups did not differ regarding the presence of stress symptoms. It seems that choir singing was associated with better mental and physical outcomes. This study reinforces the promising benefits of choir singing as a recreational activity. Although we only included amateur singers in our sample, the literature shows that singing as a professional may be an etiologic factor for developing TMD. Future studies should explore differences between professional and amateur choir singers regarding TMD symptoms.

Group singing improves both physical and psychological wellbeing in people with and without chronic health conditions: A narrative review

“…In these studies, there were significant findings. For example, Caetano et al (2019) found significant differences in anxiety and temporomandibular symptoms in choir and comparison groups. Qualitative observational research showed that most choral society members experienced a physical and emotional benefit from being a member of the choir (Clift and Hancox, 2001).…”

“…Observational studies examining the effectiveness of group singing on psychological and physical measures of wellbeing Caetano et al (2019) . Hancox (2001) Hopper et al (2016) …”

Developing choral skills at a young age through choral singing

“…Referring to the general benefits of choral singing, numerous researches support the idea that this activity may be adopted in order to enhance quality of life and promote mental and physical health. These are psychological benefits such as regulating the level of anxiety (Caetano, Ferreira, Mariotto, Vidal, Neufeld, dos Reis 2017), achieving a state of mindfulness (Lynch, Wilson 2018), obtaining a sense of belonging to a group (Sanal, Gorsev 2014) or about physical benefits such as the development of lung capacity, the remedy of various mental health problems, physical disabilities and intellectual disability (Dingle, Brander, Ballantyne, Baker 2013).…”

Impact of professional, recreational and nonsinging on temporomandibular disorders - a comparative study based on a self-assessment questionnaire

“…The professional singers had less pain than the control group in various parts of the body but also around the jaw. The authors explained this by the fact that professional singers strengthen and relax their muscles through a routine of exercises [ 37 , 38 ]. All singers pursued a profession in addition to singing.…”