Description of playing-related musculoskeletal pain in elite string students

Abstract

Abstract Background String music students suffer from playing-related musculoskeletal pain. However, until now, no studies have documented this specific problem in ‘elite’ string students, whom are susceptible to carry this experience of pain (and its consequences) into their future careers as professional musicians. Aim This study describes the experience of playing-related pain in ‘elite’ bowed string music students. Method String music students enrolled in three summer music camps offering higher education programs [were conveniently recruited] using the Tailored Design Method (n = 132). Participants were required to complete a questionnaire designed for the study and inquiring about their experience with playing-related pain, their playing habits, and the impact of playing-related pain on their musical activities. Results Participants were 16.3 ± 3.9 years old on average and played on average [16.1 hours per week] during the schoolyear. A high prevalence of pain was observed (94.7%). The neck, shoulders, and thoracic area of the spine were the most painful locations. Maximum pain intensity was 33.6 ± 26.2 mm on the visual analogue scale. It took a median of 30 minutes for the pain to resolve. Playing-related pain had an impact on the participants' perceived ability to play. Discussion The results of this study highlight the extent of the pain experience in young string music students. This information is helpful to support targeted treatment and prevention activities of playing-related musculoskeletal pain in this group of musicians.