Medical problems of performing artists
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Med Probl Perform Art · Jun 2023
COVID-19 Symptom Reporting Compliance Rates Among University Performing Arts Majors.
The COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected the performing arts sector by temporarily closing venues. As venues reopened, COVID-19 symptom self-reporting and monitoring were one tool to identify potentially symptomatic cast and crew, who would then undergo contact tracing, testing, or isolation to prevent spreading COVID-19. However, the compliance rates for submitting a COVID-19 self-monitoring checklist among undergraduate performing art majors remain unknown. ⋯ These findings can help understand the groups of performing artists who would comply with the public health measure of completing a daily symptom checklist for COVID-19 or similar communicable diseases.
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Med Probl Perform Art · Jun 2023
Differences in Center of Pressure Displacement and Lower Limb Muscle Activity During Relevé Descending Phase Comparing Flat Shoes and Pointe Shoes.
In classical ballet, dancers may wear flat shoes and pointe shoes. To consider the kinematic changes between flat shoes and pointe shoes to prevent injuries, it is essential to focus on the fundamental ballet movement of standing on pointe. This study aimed to clarify the differences in the center of pressure (COP) displacement and lower limb muscle activity during the descending phase of a relevé when wearing pointe shoes versus flat shoes. ⋯ Greater muscle activities in the tibialis anterior and soleus muscles when wearing pointe shoes than when wearing flat shoes were associated with a larger lateral displacement of the COP. To control the COP displacement during the descending phase of a relevé, the muscle activity of the peroneus longus, which is antagonist of tibialis anterior muscle, and soleus muscles should be increased.
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Med Probl Perform Art · Jun 2023
Acute Neuromuscular Fatigability and Perceived Exertion in High-Level University Pianists: An Electromyography and Maximum Force Capacity Study.
Musicians are labelled 'fine motor athletes' due to the significant demands of practice and performance. In response, sports medical concepts and expertise have been adapted and mobilized to address musicians' health considerations. However, understanding distinct differences between the sports and performing arts medical contexts is critical. Mismanagement of fatigue and acute fatigability are identified as key risk factors for deleterious symptoms and injuries in musicians. Acute fatigability in athletes and musicians have been assumed to occur similarly, although this has yet to be empirically demonstrated. This study aimed to evaluate acute muscular performance fatigability during piano performance of varied intensities. ⋯ The absence of muscular performance fatigability during even the most intense piano performances suggests substantially differing mechanisms of fatigability and perceived exertion in pianists versus those commonly seen in sport athletes. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms of acute fatigability in musicians and develop musician-specific management strategies.
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Med Probl Perform Art · Jun 2023
Pain Catastrophizing in Dance Students in Relation to Resilient Behavior and Self-Reported Injuries.
Pain catastrophizing is characterized by a set of negative emotional and cognitive processes in response to pain, with a tendency to focus inordinately on the painful sensation, exaggerate the damage, and perceive feelings of helplessness. It is a psychological factor that can be treated to help people more effectively cope with pain. In this cross-sectional study, we explored the relationship between self-reported injuries, resilient behavior, and pain catastrophizing in dance students, with more than 3 years of study in public conservatories or private academies. ⋯ The individual nature of pain perception and coping strategies suggests that pain catastrophizing may be considered before dance performance and in those dancers who do not recover as expected after injury.
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Med Probl Perform Art · Mar 2023
Work-Related Dermatoses of the Feet in Professional Dancers: A Pilot Study.
The feet of professional dancers are exposed to high work-related stresses. To date, data from the professional dance sector concerning this matter are lacking. The aim of this exploratory project was to analyze and evaluate skin health in the foot area with regard to the prevalence of dermatoses, their locations, as well as gender-specific and load-specific differences. ⋯ The prevalence of work-related dermatoses is equally high among female and male dancers. The results can be used for further research and serve as a basis for specific measures of behavioral and environmental prevention in dance.