The occurrence of musculoskeletal complaints among professional musicians: a systematic review

Abstract

PurposeThis study gives a systematic overview of the literature on the occurrence of musculoskeletal complaints in professional instrumental musicians.MethodsA systematic review. Nine literature databases were searched without time limits on June 25, 2015, also the complete index of the journal Medical Problems of Performing Artists (MPPA) until June 2015 (30;2) was searched, and citation tracking and reference checking of the selected articles were performed. The search consisted of the combination of three groups of keywords: musician (e.g., musician, violin, music student, instrument player) AND musculoskeletal (e.g., musculoskeletal, tendon, shoulder, arthritis) AND epidemiology (e.g., prevalence, incidence, occurrence).ResultsThe initial literature search strategy resulted in 1258 potentially relevant articles. Finally, 21 articles describing 5424 musicians were included in this review. Point prevalences of musculoskeletal complaints in professional musicians range between 9 and 68 %; 12-month prevalences range between 41 and 93 %; and lifetime prevalences range between 62 and 93 %. Ten out of 12 studies show a higher prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints among women. Brass instrumentalists are reported to have the lowest prevalence rates of musculoskeletal complaints. The neck and shoulders are the anatomic areas most affected; the elbows are least affected. Although some information is reported concerning age, the high risk of bias in and between these studies makes it impossible to present reliable statements with respect to this.ConclusionMusculoskeletal symptoms are highly prevalent among musicians, especially among women instrumentalists. Future research concerning the epidemiology of musculoskeletal complaints among musicians should focus on associated risk factors and follow the current guidelines to optimize scientific quality.

Musculoskeletal, hearing and skin problems related to playing the instrument

“…Niewiele jest także doniesień przedstawiających ewentualne różnice między studentami a profesjonalnymi muzykami dotyczące rozpowszechnienia poszczegól-nych rodzajów dolegliwości [20,21]. Ustalenie, jakie problemy zdrowotne pojawiają się jeszcze przed rozpoczęciem kariery zawodowej, pozwoliłoby na określe-nie potrzeb w zakresie profilaktyki mogącej uchronić przyszłych muzyków-pracowników przed dolegliwościa-mi czasowo lub trwale ograniczającymi ich zdolność do pracy.…”

“…Obszarami ciała, w których najczęściej występowały objawy, są szyja lub Tabela 2. Porównanie nasilenia zgłaszanych dolegliwości zdrowotnych związanych z grą na instrumencie występujących w trakcie miesiąca poprzedzającego badanie w grupie studentów i profesjonalistów (porównanie średnich intensywności testem U Manna-Whitneya dla prób niezależnych) kark (79%) oraz ramiona i barki (75%), co potwierdzają także wcześniejsze badania [20]. Podobne rozpowszechnienie dolegliwości mięśniowo-szkieletowych u muzyków wykazano w zagranicznych opracowaniach [6][7][8][9][10].…”

Comparing the Impact of Specific Strength Training vs General Fitness Training on Professional Symphony Orchestra Musicians: A Feasibility Study

“…6 A systematic review found that for a 12-month period the prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints in professional musicians ranged from 41 to 93%. 1 Such problems may entail serious consequences for the musicians' performance, their ability to play the instrument, 3 and ultimately their career. 6 Playing-related disorders of this kind depend on a number identifiable risk factors, as well as associated risk factors about which more scientific knowledge is needed.…”

“…M usculoskeletal disorders and pain symptoms related to instrumental playing are highly prevalent among musicians, 1,2 and most of these disorders are perceived to be work-related 3 owing to factors such as repetitive movements, static postures, and a stressful and competitive lifestyle. 4,5 Previously, it has been shown that the most prevalent complaints are pain symptoms or injury to the back, neck, and shoulder.…”

“…4,5 Previously, it has been shown that the most prevalent complaints are pain symptoms or injury to the back, neck, and shoulder. 1,3 Playing a musical instrument at an elite level requires many hours of rehearsal, and performances pose considerable demands on the musculoskeletal system. 6 A systematic review found that for a 12-month period the prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints in professional musicians ranged from 41 to 93%.…”