Quality of life in painful temporomandibular disorders onset: a systematic review of outcome measure clinimetrics and predictive properties

Abstract

Background

Many self-report outcome measures (SROMs) exist for measuring Quality of Life (QoL) in patients with painful temporomandibular disorders (TMD). However, it is uncertain which SROM(s) is/are best suited for research and clinical practice.

Objectives

The aims were to (1) identify clinimetrically sound SROMs for QoL in patients with painful TMD and (2) determine if impaired QoL has diagnostic or prognostic value for this population.

Methods

PRISMA guidelines were utilized during a systematic search of: CINAHL, Dentistry & Oral Science Source, PsychALL, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Studies involving adult populations with painful TMD who were assessed for QoL were included. Risks of biases were examined.

Results

23 studies were included; 8 clinimetric studies primarily validated language translation whereas other studies were diagnostic (n = 14) or prognostic (n = 1). Of the eight identified SROMs assessed, only the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP)-49, OHIP-TMD (OHIP-22), OHIP-14, and the SF-36 are valid and reliable in painful TMD. In regards to the diagnostic studies, both region- and non-region-specific QoL SROMs associated presence of TMD with poor QoL. Study heterogeneity prohibited meta-analysis. The SF-12 demonstrated prognostic capabilities.

Conclusion

For region-specific SROMs, the OHIP-49, -TMD/-22, and −14 are available to clinicians in multiple languages to capture QoL in patients with painful TMD. For clinicians interested in overall QoL, the SF-36 was found to be valid in this population. Emerging evidence has shown that baseline QoL can predict future outcomes.

Keywords:

• Temporomandibular disorders
• quality of life
• self-report outcome measures
• clinimetric properties
• systematic review

Acknowledgements

The authors of the review would like to thank The Congdon School of Health Sciences – Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship program at High Point University for the opportunity to work on this project.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. There was no funding acquired to support this research project. The authors have no financial interests related to this manuscript.

Ratings: Low, Moderate, High

Study: Kapos et al. 2019.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Stephen M. Shaffer

Dr. Stephen M. Shaffer is a residency and fellowship trained clinical specialist, educator, and scientist with eighteen years of experience in the physical therapy profession. He has worked primarily in orthopaedic settings. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists as well as the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy. Dr. Shaffer has co-authored numerous peer-reviewed scientific papers related to temporomandibular disorders and has presented at local, state, national, and international venues.

Alicia J. Emerson

Dr. Alicia J. Emerson is an assistant professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at High Point University. Her research interests include the functional implications of pain processing in the management of musculoskeletal conditions, clinical reasoning, and health inequities.

Meghan Burr

Meghan R. Burr is an exercise scientist. She earned a bachelor’s degree from High Point University (HPU) and is currently a student at Stony Brook University, where she is pursuing a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. Additionally, Meghan is a former two-time Summer Research Fellow (SuRF), a position she held while studying at HPU. As a research fellow her work involved conducting clinical and academic research within the HPU Doctor of Physical Therapy program. As a SuRF, Meghan contributed to multiple state and national presentations and was published as a primary author in the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation.

Leah Einhorn

Dr. Leah Einhorn received a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2010 from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). Additionally, she is a Board Certified Specialist in Orthopedics and completed fellowship training at UIC, which granted her status as a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists. Dr. Einhorn has also received extensive training in vestibular rehabilitation from Emory University and the University of Pittsburgh. She currently works in a private practice setting in Anchorage, Alaska, where she also serves as the Vice President for the Alaska Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association.

Garrett S. Naze

Dr. Garrett Naze is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at High Point University. He is residency- and fellowship-trained in orthopaedic/manual orthopaedic physical therapy. Currently, Dr. Naze is the primary clinician at the High Point University Pro Bono Physical Therapy Clinic managing patients with musculoskeletal pain complaints and his research interests include the promotion of health and wellness in this clinical population through novel exercise prescription and health behavior change strategies. Dr. Naze is Board Certified as an Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist (American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties), a Certified Cervical and Temporomandibular Therapist (Physical Therapy Board of Craniofacial and Cervical Therapeutics), and a Health and Wellness Coach (National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching).