Medical problems of performing artists
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Med Probl Perform Art · Dec 2020
Health Problems in Conservatoire Students: A Retrospective Study Focusing on Playing-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders and Mental Health.
To gain insight into the prevalence and characteristics of physical health problems and mental health problems in first-, second- and third-year conservatoire students of the classical music department. Also, differences in mental health and general health were investigated between students with playing-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMDs) and students without PRMDs. ⋯ The burden of PRMD complaints in this population of conservatoire students seems relatively low. However, the number of students facing mental problems in this population is a cause for concern. Conservatoires should focus on the subject of mental health in their curricula to increase more awareness and prevent mental problems. To investigate possible causality between PRMDs and general health, prospective studies are needed.
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Med Probl Perform Art · Dec 2020
Upper-Body Posture in Adolescent Pianists: A Cross-Sectional Study.
Although the significance of upper-body posture in relation to piano performance has often been highlighted, the role of experience remains unclear. The aim of this study was to examine selected upper body posture parameters in adolescent piano students of different performance level (beginners vs advanced). ⋯ Less-experienced piano players are characterized by more movement in their trunk posture and more upper limb activity than their more advanced colleagues. Future research should examine whether interventional programs designed to alter upper-body posture would have beneficial effects in piano performance.
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Med Probl Perform Art · Dec 2020
Self-Report Fatigue Management for Instrumental Musicians: A Delphi Survey.
Mismanagement of fatigue and playing load have been consistently identified as risk factors for playing-related pain and injuries. Studies in sport demonstrate that fatigue management strategies can predict and prevent overuse syndromes and related injuries through consistent assessment of playing load and physical/psychological stress. Self-report strategies show particular responsiveness to both the short and long-term impacts of training. No equivalent fatigue management strategies exist for musicians. Establish key items and feasibility parameters to inform the development of a self-report fatigue management tool for musicians. ⋯ Key questionnaire items and feasibility parameters for a novel fatigue management tool for musicians are established. Future research in musicians is needed to validate study results and this novel fatigue management tool.
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Med Probl Perform Art · Dec 2020
Music to Our Ears: Are Dancers at Risk for High Sound Level Exposure?
Enduring exposure to high sound pressure levels (SPLs) can lead to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). In the performing arts population, NIHL has been studied primarily in the context of sound exposure experienced by musicians and less so by dancers. This research aimed to identify sound exposure that dancers may experience in some dance classes. ⋯ Furthermore, we found wide ranges of projected daily noise doses within classes taught by the same teacher. It is recommended that multiple recordings of dance environments be obtained, as a single sound recording may not accurately represent potential exposure. These findings indicate that dancers of Irish hard shoe, modern, and ballet may benefit from noise intervention such as audiometric testing, noise controls, and hearing protection.
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Memorialized in former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's children's book entitled It Takes a Village, "it takes a village to raise a child" is an African proverb that means an entire community of people must interact with children for those children to experience and grow in a safe and healthy environment. The need of the artist to create is undeniable and their villages continue to support them. ⋯ For those of us who live in New York City where the worst of Covid-19 hit last spring, it was no Broadway shows, no spring, summer or fall dance seasons, no summer festivals, no dance classes. Yet almost immediately, artists' resourcefulness shone as they continued to create, teach, and perform their art in new ways.