Medical problems of performing artists
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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
Association Between Neck Pain, Range of Motion, and Proprioception in Elite Female International Standard Dancers: A Case-Control Study.
Neck pain is common in dancers, especially female dancers, and the injury pattern varies in different genres of dance. Among dancesport performers, intensive neck left rotation is required in female International Standard dancers, but it is unknown whether neck pain is associated with neck rotation range of motion and proprioception. ⋯ Most participants in the group with neck pain showed left side pain, associated with decreased left rotation AROM. Early screening on cervical rotation mobility may be necessary to reduce future dance-related injury after the onset of neck pain. Proprioceptive acuity of the left side neck was significantly impaired compared with that of the right, indicating future proprioceptive intervention on the left side neck.
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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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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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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.