Medical problems of performing artists
-
Med Probl Perform Art · Dec 2020
Self-Reported Wellness in Training and Performance: A Comparison of Professional Ballet Dancers and Professional Athletes.
In high-performance sport, the use of self-report measures is expanding. The exploration of wellness states in response to training and performance requires further investigation for professional ballet dancers and athletes. This study therefore aimed to: compare wellness scores between professional ballet dancers and athletes in training and performance; report frequency of self-reported modified participation during training and performance; and report frequency of self-reported inability to participate due to pain and illness in dancers and athletes. ⋯ Self-reported wellness scores appear sensitive to activity type and can provide valuable information to guide intervention and recovery strategies. Further research on the impact of poor wellness on performance, illness, and injury in professional ballet is warranted.
-
Professional ballet dancers are at risk for degenerative knee cartilage changes. In the current study, we evaluated the knee cartilage with T2 mapping methods in professional ballet dancers and healthy controls and investigated possible differences of T2 values between these groups. ⋯ T2 values of knee cartilage were higher in professional ballet dancers. T2 mapping method can reveal knee cartilage changes successfully in professional ballet dancers. All anatomical planes (axial, coronal, and sagittal) can be used in order to obtain T2 values.
-
Med Probl Perform Art · Dec 2020
Musicians' Earplugs: Do They Affect Performance or Listeners' Perceptions?
Does wearing musicians' earplugs while performing affect the quality of the performance? Can listeners perceive a difference in sound when musicians are performing with or without earplugs? The risk of hearing loss is a concern for musicians, but some are reluctant to wear hearing protection due to factors such as an inability to hear their own instrument properly and the possibility of decreased sound quality for listeners. ⋯ These findings suggest that musicians should feel confident that wearing musicians' earplugs while performing does not adversely affect pitch accuracy or listeners' perceptions of their timbre and dynamic control.
-
Med Probl Perform Art · Dec 2020
Health Problems in Conservatoire Students: A Retrospective Study Focusing on Playing-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders and Mental Health.
To gain insight into the prevalence and characteristics of physical health problems and mental health problems in first-, second- and third-year conservatoire students of the classical music department. Also, differences in mental health and general health were investigated between students with playing-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMDs) and students without PRMDs. ⋯ The burden of PRMD complaints in this population of conservatoire students seems relatively low. However, the number of students facing mental problems in this population is a cause for concern. Conservatoires should focus on the subject of mental health in their curricula to increase more awareness and prevent mental problems. To investigate possible causality between PRMDs and general health, prospective studies are needed.
-
Med Probl Perform Art · Dec 2020
Music to Our Ears: Are Dancers at Risk for High Sound Level Exposure?
Enduring exposure to high sound pressure levels (SPLs) can lead to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). In the performing arts population, NIHL has been studied primarily in the context of sound exposure experienced by musicians and less so by dancers. This research aimed to identify sound exposure that dancers may experience in some dance classes. ⋯ Furthermore, we found wide ranges of projected daily noise doses within classes taught by the same teacher. It is recommended that multiple recordings of dance environments be obtained, as a single sound recording may not accurately represent potential exposure. These findings indicate that dancers of Irish hard shoe, modern, and ballet may benefit from noise intervention such as audiometric testing, noise controls, and hearing protection.