How do we assess musicians’ musculoskeletal symptoms?: a review of outcomes and tools used

Abstract

Recent reviews of musicians’ musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) have reported heterogeneity in the outcomes reported and data collection tools used, making it difficult to compare and synthesise findings. The purpose of this present review was to improve the consistency of future research, by documenting the outcomes reported in recent studies of musicians’ MSS and the data collection tools used. All English language, peer-reviewed studies, published 2007–2016 that reported musicians’ self-reported MSS outcomes were identified. Details of the types of outcomes reported and the tools used were extracted, and synthesised descriptively. A range of MSS outcomes were reported, including MSS with a temporal relationship to activities performed, and the consequences of symptoms. Only 24% of studies used standardised questionnaires, with the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) being the most commonly used. To improve the homogeneity of outcomes and data collection tools when investigating musicians’ MSS, we recommend using the NMQ, where appropriate. Recall periods of 12-months and 7-d are the most appropriate for prevalence, and 7-d recall periods for ratings. Importantly, outcomes and the tools used to collect data should be reported in sufficient detail to ensure that the study can be replicated, critiqued, and accurately interpreted.

Patterns of Pain Location in Music Students. A Cluster Analysis 

“…There are limitations to be aware of when considering our ndings. Firstly, although the location of MSK pain was determined according to a well-known and validated questionnaire -NMQ by Kuorinka et al (23) -in order to obtain standardised results which could be compared to other groups (12), speci c localised areas of the body such as ngers, were not contemplated as de ned by other methods (e.g. anatomical regions according to the Margolis rating or according to pain drawings).…”

“…It is plausible that this heterogeneity in the reporting of musicians' disorders may be attributed to the use of different methods of assessment (10,11), even though the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) remains the most commonly used questionnaire the analysis of MSK symptoms in the literature (12). The extent of variability between the anatomical regions included within the literature, is illustrated by reports recording from four (i.e.…”

Should musicians play in pain?

“…A wide range of musicians’ MSSs have been investigated, and include pain, soreness, discomfort, ache, tension, clicking, popping, crepitus, tightness, stiffness, reduced range of motion, loss of motor control, cramp, muscle fatigue, loss of speed, loss of endurance, swelling, redness, burning, numbness and tingling. 14 Our review focuses specifically on pain because pain is the most commonly reported 15,16 and investigated 14 type of MSS among musicians. Musicians with MSSs, including pain, have reported experiencing a range of consequences in both musical and non-musical aspects of their lives.…”

Why do we need to investigate non-classical musicians to reduce the burden of musicians’ musculoskeletal symptoms?

“…3) There is a high prevalence of MSSs in professional musicians 4) which is reportedly higher than that of the general workforce 5) . Furthermore, musculoskeletal disorders account for 70% of all workers' compensation claims made by employed musicians 6) . Musculoskeletal symptoms may have a range of consequences for musicians, including having to take time off from work [5][6][7][8] .…”

“…Furthermore, musculoskeletal disorders account for 70% of all workers' compensation claims made by employed musicians 6) . Musculoskeletal symptoms may have a range of consequences for musicians, including having to take time off from work [5][6][7][8] . Research into musicians'…”