Medical problems of performing artists
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Objective information on embouchure muscle use in brass players is currently limited. This pilot study records and analyses embouchure muscle activity in trumpet players to identify typical patterns and to reveal how these can differ between playing tasks. ⋯ Though levels of muscle activity rose consistently over large pitch ranges, there was considerable variation in the degree to which this occurred over smaller intervals. Even among the 3 professional players, the embouchure muscle activity showed clear individual patterns, suggesting that high levels of performance can be achieved in different ways. Further investigations will be needed to clarify how embouchure activity changes with proficiency.
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Med Probl Perform Art · Mar 2020
Intra- and Inter-Rater Reliability of a Ballet-based Dance Technique Screening Instrument.
To investigate intra- and inter-rater reliability of a ballet-based Dance Technique Screening Instrument used by physical therapists (PTs) and student PTs (SPTs) with prior dance medicine or dance experience. ⋯ Level III.
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Med Probl Perform Art · Mar 2020
ReviewAn Overview of Premenstrual Voice Syndrome: Definition, Treatment, and Future Trajectories.
For classical singers, performing in peak condition is optimal at all times in an industry which demands excellence. The slightest variability in a singer's physiology can influence sound quality and production; in severe instances, a singer's career longevity may be compromised. ⋯ This phenomenon has been termed premenstrual voice syndrome (PMVS) among singers, although there has been little empirical research on PMVS, which complicates matters related to defining, taxonomizing, and treating the condition. This article offers an overview of existing research related to PMVS, identifies gaps in definitional and categorical boundaries between PMVS and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and offers recommendations for symptom management as well as suggestions for pedagogues and teachers to better educate themselves and their students about PMVS.
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Med Probl Perform Art · Mar 2020
The Collegiate Irish Dancer's Experience of Injury: A Qualitative Study.
A high incidence of injury is reported amongst student and professional dancers, impacting negatively upon the quality of life and biopsychological health of dancers. Research examining the impact of injury on Irish dancing (ID) students is lacking. There is a need to understand dancer's emotional and cognitive reaction to injury, to inform management strategies for same. ⋯ Students of ID experience significant psychosocial challenges when they are injured, many of which are negative. The importance of dancer identity combined with a subculture of injury concealment and perseverance may compromise the optimal management of dancer injury. Social supports are critical in facilitating successful management of injury. A disconnect exists between dancers and healthcare professionals when seeking medical treatment.
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Med Probl Perform Art · Mar 2020
Elevated Forearm Coactivation Levels and Higher Temporal Variability in String Players with Musicians' Dystonia During Demanding Playing Conditions.
There is a lack of an objective measurement tool for evaluating the quality of bowing performance in string players. The present study aimed to assess kinematic features of bow strokes performed by violinists and violists affected by bow arm dystonia, compared to healthy controls. ⋯ Building on these results we introduce a novel approach using simple kinematic measures to quantifying dystonic symptoms in string players. Even though dystonia patients showed higher temporal variability and elevated forearm coactivation, both variables were not correlated. This finding is discussed with respect to the heterogeneity of musicians' dystonia and its individual-specific manifestations in dystonic symptoms.