Medical problems of performing artists
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Med Probl Perform Art · Mar 2022
Evaluation of Physical Symptoms in Brazilian Conductors Through NMQ and DASH Instruments.
Few studies have investigated populations of conductors concerning their activity in general or work-related health aspects, although these individuals also face important work demands with the potential for develop¬ing hearing, physical, and vocal problems. This study was designed to assess physical symptoms (pain, tingling, numbness) in Brazilian conductors by applying the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) Questionnaire. The data were collected online from 166 Brazilian conductors who were actively working for at least 1 year. ⋯ Participants also complained of pain in the upper limbs, especially on the right side, and spinal regions associated with conducting. Bivariate statistical tests indicated significant relationships between the presence of symptoms in the upper limbs and higher disability scores in the DASH instrument. The body regions mentioned by the participants are similar to those reported in the few studies of conductors in the literature, highlighting that conducting has a specific physical impact and the potential to affect the function of the upper limb in the conductors' daily activities.
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Med Probl Perform Art · Mar 2022
Effects of Rehearsal Time and Repertoire Speed on Upper Trapezius Activity in Conservatory Piano Students.
Repetitive piano play may overload neck and shoulder muscles and tendons, leading to playing-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMDs). ⋯ Playing faster presented higher magnitudes of activity of the upper trapezius. The decrease in the median frequency in response to long rehearsals may be a sign of muscle fatigue.
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Med Probl Perform Art · Mar 2022
Differences in Foot Characteristics Between Bharatanatyam Dancers and Age-Matched Non-Dancers.
The ankle-foot complex is the third most common site of pain in Indian dancers. In Bharatanatyam dance, rhythmic stamping performed barefoot at varying speeds may influence the height of the medial longitudinal arch, causing structural alteration of the ankle-foot complex. As little information is available on the ankle-foot complex of Bharatanatyam dancers, the present study was conducted to test the hypothesis that foot characteristics of Bharatanatyam dancers differ from those of non-dancers. ⋯ Greater plantar loading and an over-pronated foot during the most commonly performed weight-bearing activity of daily living (e.g., walking) explain the common prevalence of ankle and foot pain among dancers. These findings will inform clinicians and Bharatanatyam dancers on dancer's foot function and guide strategies for prevention and management of foot pain.
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Med Probl Perform Art · Mar 2022
Development of the Dance Fitness Indicator©: A High-Intensity Dance Fitness Test: A Preliminary Study.
The aim of this study was to develop a contemporary dance technique-specific, high-intensity dance fitness test and carry out preliminary testing into measuring the physiological intensity and reliability. The choreography of the Dance Fitness Indicator© (DFI©) is based upon Humphrey/Limón, Graham, and Cunningham techniques and includes dance elements that relate to fitness elements, that increase in intensity over four levels designed to observe changes in heart rate (HR) and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) as the DFI© progresses. Each level lasts for 4 minutes, 16 seconds, with a 1-minute rest between each level; the full DFI lasts for 20 minutes, 12 seconds. ⋯ These preliminary results suggest that the DFI© requires a high physiological intensity demand, through movement-specific contemporary dance technique, relating to dance performance intensity, and is a reliable testing mode within a dance studio environment. It could also be used to assess dancers' physiological abilities to cope with high-intensity intermittent cardiovascular and technical demands of dance performance; however, further testing with greater numbers of subjects is recommended.
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To evaluate how performing artists (PAs) with chronic pain may differ on measures of substance use compared to non-PA controls. ⋯ Among persons with chronic pain, PAs may have higher risk for opioid-related consequences, including OUD, and should be screened during health care encounters.