6-Week Intervention Program and Posture Changes in Music Students

Abstract

Introduction: Developing the musculoskeletal complaints in music students are common because of practice over an instrument. Little is known about the effectiveness of interventions; therefore, more research is necessary to better understand and manage the issues; therefore, the present study was aimed at evaluating the impact of 6-week intervention program on posture in music students.Materials and Methods: 6-week intervention program was carried out six weeks, aiming for 30 female music students: (i) Experimental group (n = 15) (58.50 kg, 168.50 cm, 20.40 years); (ii) Control group (n = 15) (60.20 kg, 170.20 cm, 20.80 kg), attending the bachelor's degree in Performing Arts. Standardized measure to evaluate the posture was carried out; in particular, pre-(31-10, Week 1) and post-testing (9-12, Week 6). Evaluating the impact of 6-week intervention program was by Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test, Wilcoxon Rank-Sum Test (rejection of normality of data distribution), Pearson's r (normality of data distribution).Results. Significant differences (.01, .05) between the experimental and control group were in: (i) Pre-testing -(i-i) Head and neck; (i-ii) Curvature of spine; (ii) Post-testing -(ii-i) Head and neck; (ii-ii) Abdomen and pelvis; (ii-iii) Curvature of spine; (ii-iiii) Shoulders and scapulas. 6-week intervention program, targeting the posture in music students is important because of its impact on musculoskeletal health.Discussions: 6-week intervention program in music students was effective at improving their postures; and therefore, implementing intervention program (at least 6 weeks) in music students and guidance on prevention of musculoskeletal complaints may influence, in a positive way, their quality of life and career.

Harmonizing musculoskeletal health: transformative effects of 8-week intervention program on posture in music students

“…15 music students (60%) of experimental group underwent 8-week intervention program [1] under the guidance of lecturer -M. Marko; who informed the experimental group (60%, n = 15) of principles of 8-week intervention program. 8-week intervention program was chosen because of supporting the musculature (muscular system) of spine, neck, abdomen, and shoulders [4], allowing the experimental group (60%, n = 15) to exercise (low-load; early stage), advancing to patterns of resistance [5].…”

“…Maintaining the posture (correct) is of upmost importance in promoting the well-being of music students, allowing to engage in music-making with comfort (ease); however, prevention of posture in not common in music students. Despite its importance, playing-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMDs) persist in music students, leading to discomfort, pain, and career-limiting injury [1,2,3]. Recognizing the challenge, educators (researchers) turn attention to interventions (target) aimed at improving the posture in music students [1,4,5,6].…”

“…Despite its importance, playing-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMDs) persist in music students, leading to discomfort, pain, and career-limiting injury [1,2,3]. Recognizing the challenge, educators (researchers) turn attention to interventions (target) aimed at improving the posture in music students [1,4,5,6].…”

“…± 85% of first-year (freshman) music students enrolled in higher education (university, college) experience acute pain; ± 34% of them experience playing-related musculoskeletal disorders, either in advance of enrollment in bachelor's degree [13,14,15]. Prevalence of playing-related musculoskeletal disorders in music students may differ, depending on diverse factors; in particular, instruments played, intensity of practice, level of awareness, and preventive measures taken [1]. Responsibility 2024 02 02 79 for health (musculoskeletal) in music students is low; therefore, raising awareness and offering the instructions (target) in preventing the playingrelated musculoskeletal disorders while studying may influence the careers of music students [11].…”

“…Educators (may) lack the training and/or awareness in addressing posture effectively, focusing on musical instructions over principles of biomechanics [17]. Differences in disciplines (e.g., anatomy, ergonomics) necessitate tailored approaches in correcting the posture, making it challenging to devise universal interventions [1]. Despite the challenges, the imperative in promoting the posture (correct) and preventing the playingrelated musculoskeletal disorders compels the educators (researchers) to explore the innovative interventions tailored to needs of music students [4,5,18,19,20].…”