Date Presented 04/22/2023
This study explored occupational adaptation interventions for playing-related musculoskeletal disorders. Results indicate decreased pain intensity, decreased Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores, and increased adaptive capacity among university-level music students.
Primary Author and Speaker: Allison Naber
Additional Authors and Speakers: Katherine Ericsson
Music students are at an elevated risk of playing-related musculoskeletal disorders. This study aimed to explore the impact of occupational adaptation-focused interventions on music student health. A quasi-experimental one-group pretest/posttest design was used. Music students received occupational therapy services grounded in the Occupational Adaptation model of practice. Assessment tools included the Performing Arts Module of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) and an occupational adaptive process evaluation. Twelve music students, ages 19 to 32 years old, participated in this study. Results indicated a significant decrease in current pain intensity ( Z = −2.038, p < .042), 24-hr pain intensity ( Z = −2.94, p < .003), and DASH scores ( Z = −2.81, p < .005). Strong correlations were found between participants’ adaptive capacity and improved DASH scores and 24-hr pain. Occupational adaptation-focused interventions can improve university-level music student health by addressing body functions affecting music performance and increasing their adaptive capacity.
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