Musculoskeletal problems among string instrumentalists in South Africa.

Adedayo T Ajidahun,Hellen Myezwa,Wendy-Ann Wood,Witness Mudzi

doi:10.4102/sajp.v73i1.327

Adedayo T Ajidahun, Hellen Myezwa + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.4102/sajp.v73i1.327

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Abstract

BackgroundMusicians who play string instruments are affected more by musculoskeletal injuries when compared to other instrument playing groups. Musculoskeletal problems are commonly found in the upper extremities and trunk. Several risk factors such as gender, practice hours and instrument played are associated with the prevalence and distribution of musculoskeletal problems among string instrumentalists.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, distribution, severity and risk factors for musculoskeletal problems among string instrumentalists.MethodA cross-sectional study design using both online and paper-based questionnaires were used to collect data from string instrumentalists playing in both amateur and professional orchestras in South Africa.ResultsA total of 114 string instrumentalists participated in the study, of which 86 (77%) reported problems in one or more anatomic regions while 39 (35%) were currently experiencing musculoskeletal problems that affected their performance. The trunk and both shoulders were the most commonly affected body regions. The majority of the participants reported the severity of the complaints as mild to moderate with aching, soreness, tingling and fatigue being the most commonly used descriptors of the symptoms of playing-related musculoskeletal problems.ConclusionThe results of this study showed that the prevalence of musculoskeletal problems that affect performance is high among string instrumentalists in South Africa. An evaluation of associated risk factors with the aim of reducing injuries may be important in improving performance.

Highlights

Musculoskeletal problems are common health problems of musicians, irrespective of the instrument played
To ascertain the number of string players in total, the number of string players was estimated based on those reported in large professional orchestras in South Africa from an earlier study (Hohls 2010)
The results of this study showed that 77% of string instrumentalists reported problems in one or more anatomic regions with 35% currently experiencing problems that interfere with their performances

Summary

Introduction

Musculoskeletal problems are common health problems of musicians, irrespective of the instrument played. The occurrence of PRMDs is associated with several intrinsic factors such as joint hypermobility, age (Ranelli, Straker & Smith 2011; Yeung et al 1999) and gender and extrinsic factors such as warm-ups, playing hours, playing position, posture and playing techniques (Kaufman-Cohen & Ratzon 2011) Psychosocial factors such as stage fright and anxiety contribute to the development of musculoskeletal problems among musicians. Musculoskeletal problems are commonly found in the upper extremities and trunk Several risk factors such as gender, practice hours and instrument played are associated with the prevalence and distribution of musculoskeletal problems among string instrumentalists

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Discussion

Conclusion