• Laura M Kok, Rob G H H Nelissen, and Bionka M A Huisstede.
• Department of Orthopedics, Leiden University Medical Center, Postzone J11R, Postbus 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands. Tel +31-(0)71-5263606, fax +31-(0)71- 5266743. laura.m.kok@gmail. com.
• Med Probl Perform Art. 2015 Sep 1; 30 (3): 163-8.

ObjectiveCANS (complaints of arm, neck, and/or shoulder not caused by a systemic disease or acute trauma) are a recognized problem in specific occupational groups such as musicians. This study aimed to compare the prevalence, characteristics, and consequences of CANS between music academy students and a control group of peer-age medical students.MethodsA cross-sectional study among music academy students and medical students. Data were collected using a web-based questionnaire on musculoskeletal conditions of the upper extremity in the two cohorts.ResultsStudents of three music academies (n=345) and one medical university (n=2,870) received the questionnaire, of which 25% (n=87) and 18% (n=503) responded, respectively. The 12-month prevalence of CANS was nearly twice as high among music academy students as the control group (80.7% vs 41.5%, p<0.001). Music academy students reported 2.6 times the point prevalence as medical students (47.0% vs 18.2%, p<0.001). Chronic CANS was present in 36.1% of the music students, compared to 10.3% of the medical students (p<0.001). Music academy students presented more complaints per anatomic localization and a higher number of involved anatomic localizations. Music students rated the influence of CANS on daily functioning as more severe (5.0 vs 3.1, p<0.001). Of all subjects with CANS during the last year, more music academy students (46.3%) visited a healthcare professional compared to medical students (29.8%, p=0.013).ConclusionThe prevalence of CANS is high in music academy students compared to medical students. This emphasizes the necessity of effective (preventive) interventions in these high-demanding professionals.

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