Feasibility and impact of a musculoskeletal health for musicians (MHM) program for musician students: A randomized controlled pilot study

Abstract

BackgroundThere is a high incidence of performance-related musculoskeletal disorders in musicians that may be reduced via education programs. However, the efficacy of formalized injury prevention programs has not been rigorously studied. PurposeTo assess the feasibility and effect of a formalized injury prevention education workshop on incidence and severity of musculoskeletal pain in a cohort of musician-students attending an intensive summer music festival compared to controls. Study designRandomized-controlled-pilot trial. MethodsMusicians at an 8-week long intensive summer festival were randomized to an intervention (workshop) or control group. Workshop attendees participated in a 90-minute session of injury prevention strategies. Musculoskeletal outcome data were collected at the start and end of the festival. Outcomes included presence of musculoskeletal pain, adherence level, and sub-scales of the Musculoskeletal Pain Intensity and Interference Questionnaire for Musicians. ResultsA total of 57 musician-students (ages 17-30, 23 females) participated in the study, and 48(84%) completed the study. Seventy-five percent of workshop participants reported adherence over 8 weeks. At baseline, 84% of participants reported a history of playing-related pain, and 47% recent or current pain. Participants played a range of instruments (50% string, 34% piano, 16% woodwind/brass). At baseline, average weekly reported playing time was 39 hours (±11). At follow-up, reported pain decreased by 32% in the intervention group and increased by 8% in controls (P < .01). Pain interference scores were lower (Post – Pre = -4.58, 95% CI -9.26 to 0.11, P = .055). There was no statistically significant difference between groups for pain intensity. ConclusionsThe high compliance and willingness to participate suggests that injury prevention education implementation is feasible. Our preliminary findings suggest a positive effect on pain incidence and pain interference in the intervention group. Future studies will examine the relationship between adherence levels and injury rates in a larger cohort and identify obstacles to implementation.