Abstract
Due to the occurrence among musicians of musculoskeletal problems associated with playing a musical instrument, it is necessary to use prophylaxis. The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of two physioprophylaxis methods: chair massage and an original set of exercises. The study lasted four weeks and consisted of eight 15-min meetings (chair massage/exercises). The study was conducted on 44 music students assigned to three groups (chair massage/exercise program/control group). The algometric measurements and questionnaire were conducted. Health problems associated with playing an instrument was reported by 86.4% of the participants. The largest changes in pain threshold concerned the trigger points of the muscles with the highest pain sensitivity, i.e., upper part of trapezius ones, and reached 25–34% in relation to the initial values. For the trigger points of the levator scapulae and lower part of trapezius, the increase in the pain threshold was between 20 and 28%. Raising the pain threshold was observed both after each session and meeting by meeting, and these differences were most visible in the massage group. This effect was particularly visible from the fourth treatment. Chair massage and exercise should be used regularly, and significant results can be obtained after two weeks.
Highlights
Artists playing musical instruments, due to loads related to the strain of playing the instrument, suffer from various forms of playing related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMD) [1,2,3,4]
The occurrence of a lifetime prevalence of PRMD was reported by n = 38 (86.4%) of the participants, and n = 29 (65.9%) of respondents reported the presence of current PRMD
The participants currently declaring the presence of PRMD did not differ in terms of BMI (p = 0.41), or seniority (p = 0.14), and intensity of playing the instrument (p = 0.08)
Summary
Due to loads related to the strain of playing the instrument, suffer from various forms of playing related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMD) [1,2,3,4]. Pain among artists is often recognized as chronic and occur as a result of cumulative, long-lasting overload [11] but it can be an acute pain that is especially related to a sudden increase in instrument practice [13]. Analysis of these aspects shows that for young people in music schools and universities, the specific prevention programs that would guide musicians how to avoid pain and injury could be of great benefit for their condition and performance
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