This study describes the prevalence and distribution of symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders occurring in New South Wales dentists and investigates the relationship between these symptoms and work practices. Four hundred and forty two members of the Australian Dental Association (New South Wa l e s Branch), were randomly selected and sent questionnaires. Eighty per cent (n=355) responded. No significant differences in reported symptoms were found when considering age, experience, handedness, operating position or period of working without a break. Eighty-two per cent of the respondents reported experiencing one or more musculoskeletal symptoms during the previous month. Sixty-four per cent of the sample reported suffering pain (the majority reported back pain) and 58 per cent headaches. Most severe symptoms reported were pain (39%) and headaches (25%). Those in the youngest age category of less than 35 years (26%), were significantly more likely to have headaches ( 2 4df p<0.05). Female dentists were more likely to rate the severity of their most severe symptom higher ( 2 1df p<0.05), and to report more frequent pain ( 2 2df p<0.05) and headaches ( 2 2df p<0.05). Those practising four-handed dentistry were significantly more likely to be in the 35-44 age range ( 2 4df p<0.01), to work for longer periods before taking a 10-minute break ( 2 5df p<0.05) and to report frequent pain ( 2 2df p<0.05). The results support the findings of previous studies conducted overseas but additional information about musculoskeletal symptoms in this occupational group has been identified.
Taping the scapula has been suggested as a method of improving both scapula position and muscular efficiency of the shoulder girdle. These factors have been linked to neck and arm problems in violinists. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of taping the scapulae of violinists into a position that prevented excessive elevation and protraction whilst playing. Eight professional violinists played three different musical excerpts with and without scapula taping applied in random order. Electromyographic activity was recorded from the upper trapezii, the scapula retractors and the right sternocleidomastoid muscles. Performances were recorded onto videotape and audiocassette, and self-report data collected for later analysis. Compared with the control condition, scapula taping increased electromyographic activity in the left upper trapezius muscle during playing by 49% as an overall effect, with a 60% increase in the most physically demanding piece played. Lower music quality was detected in the same piece by raters blinded to performance conditions. Taping also had significant negative effects on subjects' reports of concentration and comfort. Short-term application of scapula taping did not enhance selected scapula stabilising muscles during playing and was not well tolerated by professional violinists.
The purposes of this study were to evaluate the effect of an exercise regimen for undergraduate music majors at a university, and to determine whether a short-term, moderate-intensity program designed to assist in their preparation for the athletic task of playing an instrument for many hours a day could be incorporated into their timetables and show strength gains. In this study, 18 volunteer university undergraduate music majors were randomly allocated into either six weeks of strength training or six weeks of endurance training of proximal upper-limb and trunk muscles. All subjects were measured over a six-week control period prior to the exercise period. Tests using both physical and self-report data were repeated on three separate occasions to determine whether training produced any effects over this period, and which form of training was the more effective. Physical testing data were collected by an independent tester who was blinded to the study condition. These data included Cybex dynamometer testing in two planes of shoulder motion, field measurements, and timing an isometric 90-degree forward flexion arm hold. Questionnaires were used to gather data on the frequency and severity of performance-related musculoskeletal disorders and on the perceived exertion of playing. Results indicated that the program produced significant strength gains in both field measurements and dynamometer testing in both exercise groups. While all field measurements of the actual exercises performed increased significantly over the exercise period, the dynamometer results showed a significant effect of the exercise program on the horizontal plane only, suggesting this group of musicians took a task-specific view of the exercises and focused more on their application of horizontal exercises, seeing the relevance in relation to playing an instrument. Vertical isokinetic measurements remained unchanged. Perceived exertion of playing was significantly reduced, with endurance training significantly better than strength training for achieving this result.
Proponents of mandatory continuing professional education (MCPE) contend that continuing professional education is necessary to ensure clinical competence and prevent professional obsolescence. Opponents believe that MCPE is contrary to adult learning principles. Although the research demonstrates positive attitudes towards MCPE in those groups undertaking continuing education programmes, there has been insufficient quantitative research which examines whether continuing education results in enhancement of practitioner performance and improvement of patient care. Currently, there are no MCPE requirements in Australia for the general practice of physiotherapy. The recommendation for the physiotherapy profession is to address the immediate need for research into the relationship between continuing education and clinical competence.
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