Playing-related musculoskeletal disorders among violin players – a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Playing-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMD) are an often-reported problem in the literature. PRMD are usually defined as pain, numbness, weakness, paresthesia, or other feelin - gs affecting the musician's performance. Aims: The study aimed to assess the epidemiology of PRMD among violin players in relation to their age, sex, and experience. Additio - nally, the analysis covered prevention strategies. Material and methods: A total of 70 musicians (Me 24 years, IQR 18-30) were enrolled in the study (with an advantage of women – 83%). The study was carried out with an online questionnaire based on the modified Standardized Nordic Questionnaires for the Analysis of Musculoskeletal Symptoms (SNQ). The questionnaire was equip - ped with additional questions regarding the prevention strategies used by the respondents. Results: The majority of the respondents (53 people, 76%) confir - med to have sustained a PRMD in the period of the last 12 mon - ths. Reported PRMD were significantly related with sex (women at higher risk) and specific body locations such as the cervical and lumbar spine, as well as shoulder joints/arms. They did not corre - late with the inability to carry out day-to-day activities but had an effect on musical performance (p<0.001). Most of the respondents with PRMD resorted to the help