Nature Of Musculoskeletal Disorders Research Articles

Physical performance and musculoskeletal disorders: Are musicians and sportspeople on a level playing field?

ObjectivesTo discuss the differences in the prevention and management of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) between musicians and sportspeople, the differences in the acceptance of and healthcare access for these populations regarding MSDs, and to propose ways in which musicians, music educators, health professionals, and employers of musicians can draw upon the culture and practices of sportspeople and teams, to assist musicians in better preventing and managing MSDs. MethodsA narrative review, drawing upon music and sports medicine research. ResultsThere are differences in the musicians’ MSD risk perception, in comparison with sportspeople, potentially due to the different nature of MSDs, early experiences with MSDs, and media coverage of sports MSDs. Unlike musicians, sportspeople gain MSD prevention advice at all levels, and they have access to health professionals with sports-specific training who are often associated with the team. Some of the practices of sports teams and players can be applied to musicians. For instance, musicians should be trained about their risk of MSDs, and how to prevent and manage them at all levels of playing, and seeking appropriate, early management should be supported and encouraged. Mandating some strategies may be appropriate. Health professionals also need more access to musician-specific training and specialisation pathways. ConclusionThere are many differences between musicians and sportspeople in terms of MSDs. Where possible, the positive aspects of sports training and culture, should be adopted by musicians to reduce the risk of MSDs, and provide better support to those who experience these disorders.

Musculoskeletal disorders in physically active conscripts: a one-year follow-up study in the Finnish Defence Forces

BackgroundMusculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are an important cause for morbidity in military service. They result in disabilities needing long-term rehabilitation and functional impairment leading to premature discharge from military service. The purpose of the study was to investigate the incidence and nature of MSDs in Finnish conscripts.MethodsTwo successive arrivals of 18–28-yr-old male conscripts (N = 955, median age 19) were followed for six months. MSDs, including overuse and acute injuries, treated at the garrison clinic were identified and analysed.ResultsDuring the 12-month study period there were 437 outpatient clinic visits in 955 persons. The occurrence rate was 33% during 6-month service while the event-based incidence was 3.3 per 1000 person-days. Occurrence peaked in summer months. The most common types of MSDs were low back pain (LBP, 20%), lower limb overuse injuries (16%) and sprains or strains (13%). Disorders mostly occurred in combat training in combat gear (40%) and during marching on foot or bicycle (28%). Overuse-related MSDs were more prevalent (66%) than traumatic ones (34%). One-third (34%) of the MSDs were recurrent and 66% were new ones. Disorders of the back and the knee were most frequently recurrent conditions (44% for both). Fractures, knee ligament ruptures, dislocations and muscle strains accounted for the highest number of service days lost. Twenty-four (2.5%) out of 955 conscripts were prematurely discharged due to MSDs.ConclusionPreventive measures during military service should be targeted at decreasing low back pain and lower limb overuse injuries, because these inflict the largest burden of MSDs and tend to have a chronic nature.