Medical problems of performing artists
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Med Probl Perform Art · Sep 2022
Effect of Myofascial Induction Therapy in Pterygoid Muscles of Woodwinds and String Musicians on Muscular Stiffness of the Upper Trapezius.
Considering the fascial continuity and its biomechanical characteristics, the purpose of this study was to assess the change in muscular stiffness (Dm) of the upper trapezius muscles after the application of myofascial induction therapy (MIT) to the masticatory muscles of musicians. ⋯ MIT of the lateral pterygoids is effective in decreasing upper trapezius stiffness as measured by an increase in the Dm measured by tensiomyography. The greatest change occurred in musicians with a lower percentage of Neck Disability Index at baseline.
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Med Probl Perform Art · Sep 2022
Workplace Social Capital as Buffer for Emotional Demands and Perceived Stress in Symphony Orchestras: A Danish Cross-Sectional Survey.
High workplace social capital (WSC) is associated with improved occupational health in the common occupational areas. However, little is known on WSC and its effect on the emotional demands and stress seen in the work of classical symphonic musicians. ⋯ The study indicates a buffering effect of WSC on the association between emotional demands and stress in the work of orchestra musicians. Thus, enhancement of WSC could be a potential stress-preventing strategy in symphony orchestras and should be investigated in future studies on musicians' mental health.
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Med Probl Perform Art · Sep 2022
Meta AnalysisBow-Side Kinematics Studies in Violinists: An Experimental Design Tracking Intra- and Inter-Musician Variability by Bow Stroke, String Played, and Tempo.
Comparison of bow-side kinematics in violinists is hindered by the scarcity of studies available. This makes meta-analysis impossible. This paper assesses the effect of music-based variables (bow stroke, tempo, and string played) on intra- and inter-participant variability in joint kinematics. ⋯ The string played had the greatest impact on shoulder kinematics, and the bow stroke had the greatest impact on elbow and wrist kinematics. Based on these results, we propose guidelines for future research designed to study bow kinematics in the field of biomechanics of violin movements. For ease of comparison between studies and to limit the time and resources required, our main suggestions are to use repeated measures designs with a legato reference condition and to choose pieces of music spanning multiple strings.
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Med Probl Perform Art · Sep 2022
Marker-Based Method for Analyzing the Three-Dimensional Upper Body Kinematics of Violinists: Reproducibility.
Recently, Wolf et al. proposed a novel, marker-based method to analyze the three-dimensional upper-body kinematics of high string players for clinical application. The method provides an objective evaluation of high string players' motor strategies, especially in the shoulder complex, by distinguishing between the scapulothoracic (ST) and glenohumeral (GH) joints, while minimizing skin movement artifacts, marker occlusions, and limitations due to instrument placement. Nevertheless, reproducibility of kinematic measurements is crucial for clinical applications. The aim of this study was to assess the method's reproducibility in terms of reliability and repeatability. ⋯ This study generally showed the novel, marker-based method to have good reproducibility for a healthy violinist. This indicates that the proposed method is a reliable tool for quantifying upper-body movements during violin playing across subjects, examiners, laboratories, and motion capture systems.
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Med Probl Perform Art · Sep 2022
Musicians Focal Dystonia: The Practitioner's Perspective on Psychological, Psychosocial, and Behavioural Risk Factors and Non-motor Symptoms.
Musician's focal dystonia (MFD) is a painless, task-specific neurological movement disorder that impairs fine motor control when playing an instrument. The pathophysiology is not fully understood, and while the available treatment strategies can help with improving motor control, they are rarely able to fully and reliably rehabilitate playing skills. Recent studies suggest that apart from genetic factors, maladaptive neuroplasticity, and the repetitive nature of the instrumental technique, psychosocial, psychological, and behavioural factors might also play a role in the onset of MFD. ⋯ A detailed patient profile emerged from the data with three main components: 1) the negative impact of social environments, including traumatic experiences and low quality of instrumental teaching; 2) a perfectionist, anxious, overly sensitive, and acquiescent personality type; and 3) obsessive, controlling, and inadequate practice behaviours. Participants stated MFD needs to be treated holistically and that neglecting these aspects during treatment could jeopardise rehabilitation. Further objective, controlled research trials are needed to describe these factors in detail, quantify their potential impact as risk factors, and understand how they might hinder therapy.