Medical problems of performing artists
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Med Probl Perform Art · Sep 2020
Comparison of Strength and Dexterity in Professional and Student Violinists: Setting Foundations to Guide Rehabilitation.
The musician's hand represents a complex system, which requires important motor skills. Although several studies have already investigated rehabilitation outcomes and techniques in musicians after hand lesions, none have been addressed specifically to objectively quantifiable functional parameters. The purpose of our study was to study hand functionality in violinists in order to provide foundations on which to establish and develop more appropriate rehabilitation protocols. ⋯ Violinists develop better overall motor performances of the left hand, and their performance is better than normal "non-musician" controls. Dexterity and precision of execution positively correlate to years of practice. We conclude that rehabilitation of a violinist's hand should be aimed at enhancing motor performance of the left hand and should be focused to maximize dexterity of both hands.
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Med Probl Perform Art · Sep 2020
Musicians Have Thicker Median Nerve Cross Sectional Area and More Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Than Non-Musicians.
Musicians spend numerous hours perfecting their skills and art, often leading to overuse injuries of the hand; of specific concern to musicians is carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). This study evaluated the median nerve cross-sectional area and hand function of musicians and made comparisons to non-musicians. ⋯ The current research identified between-group differences in median nerve cross-sectional area and the level of hand dysfunction. Understanding the interaction between the anatomy of the wrist and wrist and hand dysfunction will benefit clinicians when evaluating and treating musicians.
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Med Probl Perform Art · Sep 2020
Rates and Patterns of Playing-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Drummers.
Playing-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMDs) are a significant health concern for percussionists. Although many of the known risk factors for PRMDs likely apply to all percussion subgroups (e.g., weekly practice hours, warm-ups/cool-downs, etc.), the rates and injury patterns in drummers (herein defined as 'percussionists who play the drum set') may differ due to differences in physical demands from those of other percussion subgroups. The goal of this study was to determine the drummer-specific rates and patterns of PRMDs. ⋯ Drummers' reporting of multiple PRMDs is consistent with previous findings in percussionists, but differences in the lifetime histories and patterns of injury supports the notion that risk factors may differ between percussion subgroups. Analysis of survey responses pertaining to drummer-specific risk factors is currently underway.
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Med Probl Perform Art · Sep 2020
Characteristics and Extent of Mental Health Issues in Contemporary Dance Students.
This study investigated the extent and characteristics of mental health issues in contemporary dance students, as clear insight into these health problems is lacking. ⋯ Contemporary dance students are at risk of mental health issues. Dance schools should pay special attention to stress, anxiety, and (constant) tiredness of their students. More research is needed to gain insight into specific characteristics and risk factors of mental health issues in dance students.
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Med Probl Perform Art · Sep 2020
Violists and Violinists Report More Intense Hand Pain on NRS Than Other Orchestra Musicians.
Among musicians, string players have the highest prevalence for musculoskeletal overuse. Playing a violin or viola requires rapid, repetitive, and complicated movements of the hands and fingers. This cross-sectional study aimed to examine whether violin/viola, violin/cello, and violin/French horn players experience more intense musculoskeletal pain than other instrumentalists. ⋯ Our study showed that musicians playing the violin or viola have more intense hand pain and more frequent neck pain than other musicians, but these seem to disturb their daily tasks only a little.