Medical problems of performing artists
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Med Probl Perform Art · Dec 2014
Observational StudyInjury patterns and rates amongst students at the national institute of circus arts: an observational study.
Despite the ever-growing global participation in circus arts, very little research has been conducted into injuries associated with this physical discipline. To date, no studies have examined the incidence of injuries in circus training institutions and schools. In this study, data were collected over an academic year from all student injury presentations to the physiotherapy staff at one Australian circus school. ⋯ However, females sustained significantly higher rates of hip injuries and males presented with more forearm and ankle injuries, perhaps reflecting the specific form and style of circus training and contortion undertaken. Spinal injuries had the highest overall rate of initial and follow-up presentations, indicating that both preventative and rehabilitative strategies could be addressed. It is suggested that the most common mechanisms of injury reflect both the amount of time spent training specific disciplines and the extreme physical difficulties and demands placed on the body.
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Med Probl Perform Art · Sep 2014
Case Reports Comparative StudyComparison of the metabolic demands of dance performance using three mobility devices for a dancer with spinal cord injury and an able-bodied dancer.
Mobility devices for dancers with physical mobility impairments have previously been limited to traditional manual or power wheelchairs. The hands-free torso-controlled mobility chair is a unique powered mobility device which allows greater freedom and expression of movement of the trunk and upper extremities. This study compared differences in energy expenditure during a standardized dance activity using three mobility devices: the hands-free torso-controlled mobility chair, a manual sports wheelchair with hand-arm control, and an electric power chair with hand-joystick control. ⋯ When the hands-free mobility chair was used, the dance activity required a moderate level of energy expenditure compared to the manual sports chair or electric power chair for both dancers. Higher ratings of perceived exertion were observed in the manual chair compared to the other chairs for the dancer with SCI, but were similar between chairs for the able-bodied dancer. These results suggest that for a dancer with high-level SCI, the hands-free torso-controlled mobility chair may offer improved freedom and expressive movement possibilities and is an energy-efficient mobility device.
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To assess the prevalence and intensity of musculoskeletal pain and to estimate probability of developing playing-related musculoskeletal disorders, depending on risk factors, including gender, years of playing the musical instrument, frequency of practice (number of days per week), average daily practice time, and habitual physical activity level, in young instrumentalists. ⋯ Musculoskeletal pain in various body parts had already commenced at a young age in our sample of music students, and there was a gender difference (girls were more often affected). Results of our study suggest that an early prophylaxis of playing-related musculoskeletal disorders is needed among young musicians playing the various instruments.
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Med Probl Perform Art · Dec 2013
Can turnout measurements be used to predict physiotherapist-reported injury rates in dancers?
Research has suggested that dancers may be more at risk of injury when they excessively utilise non-hip components of turnout to compensate for deficits in hip external rotation when trying to achieve maximal total turnout. However, recently different measures of turnout have been cited in the literature as well as suggestions for derived variables to account for shortfalls in particular components of turnout. This study aimed to assess whether measurements of turnout can predict the number of injuries (0 or 1 injury, or 2+ injuries) over a 10-month period. ⋯ Screening compensated and muscular values may be useful to address shortfalls to prevent injuries in the future.
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Med Probl Perform Art · Dec 2013
Comparative StudyAnthropometry, somatotypes, and aerobic power in ballet, contemporary dance, and dancesport.
This study compared anthropometric variables, somatotypes, and aerobic capacity between three groups of dancers: classical ballet dancers (M 33, F 56), contemporary dancers (M 28, F 109), and dancesport dancers (M 30, F 30). The assumption was that different functional requirements should produce differences in the anthropometric and aerobic capacity variables among the three groups. Anthropometric data for body mass index (BMI) and somatotypes were measured. ⋯ Ballet dancers had the lowest body fat percentage, weight, and BMI values. Dancesport dancers had greater aerobic capacity than the ballet dancers. Based on this study, we conclude that dancers in these three styles differ in some aspects of anthropometric variables, somatotypes, and aerobic capacity, but we cannot say is it because of the training or selection or both.