Medical Problems of Brass Instrumentalists: Prevalence Rates for Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn, and Low Brass

Abstract

This study examined the medical problems of musicians who primarily perform on a brass instrument. Data for this study (n = 739) were extracted from the University of North Texas Musician Health Survey data set. Subjects were included if they indicated either trumpet, trombone, French horn, or low brass as their primary instrument. Prevalence rates for one or more musculoskeletal problems were determined for the whole group and by instrument. For those subjects who reported problems at specific sites, average severity levels were derived from responses to a five-point grading scale. Additional prevalence rates for non-musculoskeletal problems were established for the whole group and by instrument. About 60% of the brass musicians reported having one or more musculoskeletal problems. The trombone group reported the highest rate (70%), followed by French horn and low brass (62%), and then trumpet (53%). Results suggest unique physical performance requirements and risks across the four main brass instrument groups and that future studies should examine each brass instrument group individually.

Playing-related Musculoskeletal Problems in Children Learning Instrumental Music: The Association Between Problem Location and Gender, Age, and Music Exposure Factors

“…Brass instrumentalists had mouth problems most commonly, followed by left and right hand/elbow, neck, and left shoulder problems, consistent with adult findings reported by Chesky et al 58 Clearly embouchure issues need to be addressed early in children to prevent serious dental and facial problems from occurring, especially as such problems contribute to the child's perceived physical appearance, selfesteem, and ability to tackle issues in adolescence.…”

“…In adults, the unique physical demands required to play various brass instruments (i.e., to hold and position the instrument, produce and maintain blowing pressures, and manipulate valves and or slides) are thought to contribute to the experience of PRMP. 58 On the basis of this study, close monitoring of children playing instruments with the highest odds of PRMP, such as cello, bass, saxophone, and trumpet, is recommended. Teachers and parents need to be informed of prevention strategies for PRMPs associated with these instruments.…”

“…26 Other studies merely reported prevalence for one or more musculoskeletal complaints. 19,44,58,59 No study was found which investigated the association between the number of pain areas and risk factors.…”

“…Low brass musicians most commonly reported problems in the low back and right wrist, and trombonists reported highest rates for the left shoulder, left hand and wrist. 58 Embouchure problems are most common in both brass and woodwind instrumentalists. 45 For the musician with hypermobile joints, more effort may be required to prevent the collapse of joints under pressure, and this subsequent increase in muscle tension may compound problems.…”

Μυοσκελετικές Διαταραχές Σε Επαγγελματίες Μουσικούς

“… Το φύλο. Αυξημένη συχνότητα εμφάνισης μυοσκελετικών διαταραχών στους μουσικούς εμφανίζεται στο γυναικείο φύλο σε σύγκριση με το ανδρικό (Steinmetz et al, 2015;Leaver et al, 2011;Paarup et al, 2011;Abréu-Ramos & Micheo, 2007;Wu, 2007;Kaneko et al, 2005;Heming, 2004;Lederman, 2003;Chesky, Devroop & Ford, 2002;Pak & Chesky, 2001;Dawson, 2001;Brandfonbrener, 2000;Zetterberg et al, 1998;Thrasher & Chesky 1998;Zaza & Farewell, 1997;Fishbein et al, 1988;Hochberg, Leffert, Heller, & Merriman, 1983). Το εύρημα αυτό συμφωνεί με τη βιβλιογραφία των μυοσκελετικών παθήσεων στο γενικό πληθυσμό (Kok et al, 2016;Sheibani-Rad, et al, 2013;Paarup et al, 2011).…”