A Study on Performance-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders During Chinese Opera Training

Abstract

The goal of this research approach is to achieve training effectiveness as great as in olden times using modern methods of performance-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMDs), mental models, and ergonomic analysis. The purpose of this study explored the situation of PRMDs among Chinese opera performers and assessed the severity, frequency, continuance, and locations of PRMDs. This study also identified the treatments used for PRMDs, contributing factors to PRMD development, and the perceptions of the Chinese opera community regarding PRMDs. This research used a questionnaire modified from the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). The questionnaire involved a total of 108 responses from 43 professionals and 65 students. For the nonparametric methods, independent-samples kruskal-wall is test, a one-way ANOVA (k samples), was used at multiple comparisons (all pairwise) significance level of .05. Chi-square tests were used to distinguish differences and relationships among the variables in self-report questionnaires between participants. Cross tabulations were applied to describe the univariate relationships among the items of independent and dependent variables for comparison of nominal and interval variables. For the parametric methods, the independent sample t-test was used at a two-tailed significance level of .05 for comparison of nominal and interval variables. One-way ANOVA and linear regression analysis was used to identify the relationship among variables and predicted factor between regions of the body with PRMDs and other self-report independent variables. The results indicate the most significant and frequent PRMD symptoms experienced after training and working for the nine body regions (neck: increased 41.7%, shoulders: increased 46.3%, upper back: increased 33.3%, elbows: increased 24.1%, wrists/hands: increased 50.0%, lower back/hips: increased 44.4%, thighs: increased 24.1%, knees: increased 52.8%, ankles/feet: increased 25.9%). According to our knowledge, this is the first research to examine the relationship among the self-reports severity and frequency of PRMDs in Chinese opera population. Therefore, the Chinese opera performing arts population requires more information regarding PRMDs for developing treatment and prevention strategies according to scientific methods. Hopefully, the PRMD-related problems from traditional Chinese opera training and work places reported in this study can be mitigated in the near future.