Motor Activity as a Way of Preventing Musculoskeletal Problems in String Musicians

Abstract

The health status of performing artists, especially musicians, was not an issue for medical research until the 1980s. Musicians tend to suffer from health-related problems, as playing an instrument demands long and intensive practice. This paper provides a literature review of health problems of string players in particular. It analyzes whether their problems are playing-related or if various parameters potentially influence their health state, and it subsequently presents a concept of efficient training. Health disorders and diseases are individual. In order to ensure efficient prevention, a profile of qualification, including physical and psychological aspects as well as key skills, allows developing an individual training schedule and thus should be included in the process of prevention. Physical performance plays a decisive role and is more important than commonly thought. Strength, endurance, and flexibility in particular have an immense influence on the musician’s performance. Playing an instrument requires both physical and mental skills, and all too often this leads to excessive demands. It is necessary to highlight the possible causes and provide the musician with a therapeutic intervention and educational work. As the demand for preventative work in this field grows steadily, this paper draws a detailed concept of a therapeutic intervention.

Evidence-informed physical therapy management of performance-related musculoskeletal disorders in musicians

“…There are many physical and psychological benefits associated with appropriate levels of regular physical activity, such as significant increases in cardiovascular fitness, skeletal muscle endurance, reaction time, and decreased incidence of osteoarthritis, depression and anxiety ( Booth et al, 2012 ). In one previous survey, musicians who performed physical activity regularly rated their perceived exertion level during rehearsal to be significantly lower than musicians that did little or no physical activity ( Wilke et al, 2011 ).…”

“…Musicians, like other hyper-functioning performers such as dancers and athletes, should undertake both cardiovascular and resistance exercises each week to best achieve and maintain optimal physical conditioning. Based on recommendations from the American College of Sports Medicine ( Medicine ACoS, 2010 ) and expert music health practitioners ( Ackermann et al, 2002 ; Ackermann, 2010 ; Wilke et al, 2011 ), an example of a potential best-practice exercise guideline for musicians is included in Table 2 below including the type, frequency, and duration of exercises.…”

Musicians injuries: Upper quarter motor control deficits in musicians with prolonged symptoms - A case-control study

“…Participants in the symptomatic and control groups were then matched according to (1) sex, (Leaver et al, 2011; Paarup et al, 2011; Ranelli et al, 2011; Wilke et al, 2011); (2) average hours of instrument playing per week (18 or more/less than 18) (Kaufman-Cohen and Ratzon, 2011); and (3) type of instrument played (string/other) (Davies and Mangion, 2002; Wilke et al, 2011).…”

Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, Anxiety, and Pain Among Musicians in the United Kingdom

“…They also exhibit less anxiety after giving musical performances (Wasley et al, 2012). Regular PA has also been associated with lower perceived exertion during rehearsals (Wilke et al, 2011). However, there are currently no data on the relationship between musicians' PA and (non-performance) anxiety.…”