Abstract
Background
Playing-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMDs) are defined as pain, weakness, lack of control, numbness, tingling or other symptoms that interfere with the ability to play an instrument at the accustomed level, and are most common among the players of stringed instruments1.
Objective
To determine whether an exercise intervention could reduce the severity of PRMDs in traditional musicians.
Method
Two similar traditional groups were identified. Inclusion criteria: (i) adults who played a musical instrument for more than 5 years, (ii) with or without PRMD. Following ethical approval one group (EG) received an exercise and advice intervention (5 workshops over a 10-week period) and the other (control group: CG) continued with normal practice. EG: stretching, postural awareness with core stability exercise, breathing and relaxation exercises. Outcome measures included a numerical rating scale to measure pain severity ‘today’ and ‘during the past week’.
Results
Twenty eight musicians participated (CG: n = 11; EG: n = 17). Most (26/28) played at least 2 instruments (main instrument fiddle: n = 14; second instrument piano: n = 8, guitar: n = 7). 18 had played for more than 10 years (range: 1 – 25 years) and 25/28 played more than 6 hours/week (range: 6 – 40). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups for gender, age or the hours of practice per week, though the CG was slightly younger (age: CG = 23.5 6.2, EG = 26.88 6.7). When the severity of the PRMD problem was compared to baseline (Wilcoxon Signed-rank test), there was a statistically significant difference betweens the groups (p = .017) with the exercise group experiencing a decrease in the severity of the PRMD (difference: + = increase in problem, - = decrease in problem, 0 = no change) (CG: median = 0, IQR: -2 to +2.5; EG: median = -1, IQR: -4 to 0).
Conclusions
This small pilot study suggests that an exercise and advice intervention that includes a range of components can reduce the severity of PRMDs in musicians and is more effective than no intervention/usual care. However, conclusions cannot be drawn regarding any individual intervention and further study is needed.
Key words
PRMD, traditional musician
Playing-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMDs) are defined as pain, weakness, lack of control, numbness, tingling or other symptoms that interfere with the ability to play an instrument at the accustomed level, and are most common among the players of stringed instruments1.
Objective
To determine whether an exercise intervention could reduce the severity of PRMDs in traditional musicians.
Method
Two similar traditional groups were identified. Inclusion criteria: (i) adults who played a musical instrument for more than 5 years, (ii) with or without PRMD. Following ethical approval one group (EG) received an exercise and advice intervention (5 workshops over a 10-week period) and the other (control group: CG) continued with normal practice. EG: stretching, postural awareness with core stability exercise, breathing and relaxation exercises. Outcome measures included a numerical rating scale to measure pain severity ‘today’ and ‘during the past week’.
Results
Twenty eight musicians participated (CG: n = 11; EG: n = 17). Most (26/28) played at least 2 instruments (main instrument fiddle: n = 14; second instrument piano: n = 8, guitar: n = 7). 18 had played for more than 10 years (range: 1 – 25 years) and 25/28 played more than 6 hours/week (range: 6 – 40). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups for gender, age or the hours of practice per week, though the CG was slightly younger (age: CG = 23.5 6.2, EG = 26.88 6.7). When the severity of the PRMD problem was compared to baseline (Wilcoxon Signed-rank test), there was a statistically significant difference betweens the groups (p = .017) with the exercise group experiencing a decrease in the severity of the PRMD (difference: + = increase in problem, - = decrease in problem, 0 = no change) (CG: median = 0, IQR: -2 to +2.5; EG: median = -1, IQR: -4 to 0).
Conclusions
This small pilot study suggests that an exercise and advice intervention that includes a range of components can reduce the severity of PRMDs in musicians and is more effective than no intervention/usual care. However, conclusions cannot be drawn regarding any individual intervention and further study is needed.
Key words
PRMD, traditional musician
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publication status | Published - 2011 |
| Event | Rehabilitation and Therapies Research Society - Limerick, Ireland Duration: 12 May 2011 → 13 May 2011 |
Conference
| Conference | Rehabilitation and Therapies Research Society |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | 6th RTRS |
| Country/Territory | Ireland |
| City | Limerick |
| Period | 12/05/2011 → 13/05/2011 |