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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Some forefoot shapes are ideal for pointe work in ballet. Egyptian-type, with the hallux being longest and the remaining toes decreasing in size, and Greek-type, with the second toe longer than the hallux, are considered less optimal for pointe work. Square-type, with the second toe the same length as the hallux, is considered optimal. This study compared postural stability in the bipedal stance, demi pointe, and en pointe between ballet dancers with the two toe types using a stabilometer. ⋯ Ballet dancers with Egyptian-type toes demonstrated greater displacement in the medial-lateral and anterior-posterior directions during en pointe. Ballet dancers should be aware of toe types and sway character to optimize ballet training and balance.
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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
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.
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Med Probl Perform Art · Mar 2020
Fit to Dance Survey: Elements of Lifestyle and Injury Incidence in Chinese Dancers.
The Fit to Dance survey has been conducted using primarily Western participants and has provided foundation data for other studies. The purpose of the current study was to replicate the Fit to Dance 2 survey focusing on features of health and injuries in pre-professional and professional Chinese dancers of different genres. The survey was translated into Chinese with several new and modified questions. ⋯ The type of injury (muscle and joint/ligament) and perceived cause of injury (fatigue, overwork, and reoccurrence of an old injury) were the same in both the current and previous survey. Mean injury rate ranged from 4.9 injuries/dancer (contemporary) to 3.4 injuries/dancer (Chinese folk dance), which is comparable to previously reported data on Western dance populations. This report provides the first comprehensive data on the health and injury incidence of Chinese dancers.