Musical Athletes

Abstract

Like athletes, musicians and vocalists spend considerable time developing and improving specific physical skills and this may increase their risk of injury. PURPOSE: This project examined injury incidence and injury risk factors in professional instrumentalists and singers. METHODS: Subjects were 217 Soldiers who were highly skilled, full time, musicians or vocalists in the US Army Band (mean age±SD=39±8 years). Injuries occurring in a single year were obtained from a medical surveillance database. Demographics and performing group (i.e., strings, keyboard, winds, brass, percussion, or vocal) were obtained from administrative databases. Direct measurements included weight, height, maximum push-ups in 2 minutes, maximum sit-ups in 2 minutes, and a two-mile run for time. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated as weight/height2. Self-reported physical activity (SRPA) was obtained from a questionnaire. For data analysis, weight, height, BMI and fitness scores were converted to four approximately equal sized quartiles (Q); six age groups were established. Univariate analysis used the chi-square test to compare injury incidence in discrete groups of each factor. Risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated. Multivariate analysis was conducted using logistic regression including all factors reaching p<0.10 in the univariate analysis. RESULTS: Fifty-two percent of the band members experienced one or more injuries during the year. In the univariate analysis, factors associated with injury incidence included BMI (RR (highest Q/lowest Q) =1.6, 95%CI=1.0-2.5), performing group (RR (strings/winds) =2.4, 95%CI=1.4-4.1), and SRPA (RR (low activity/high activity) =1.6, 95%CI=1.1-1.9). Not associated with injury incidence were gender (p=0.86), marital status (p=0.53), educational level (p=0.71), age group (p=0.58), height (p=0.20), weight (p=0.53), push-ups (p=0.89), sit-ups (p=0.51), and 2-mile run (p=0.86). In the multivariate analysis, performing group and SRPA were independent risk factors for injuries. CONCLUSIONS: One-year injury incidence was 52% in the US Army Band. Risk factors for injuries in this group include BMI, performing group, and SRPA. Low- fit band member might benefit from more physical activity.