Medical problems of performing artists
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Med Probl Perform Art · Dec 2021
Novel Ultrasonographic Thickness and Strength Assessments of the Flexor Digitorum: A Reliability Analysis.
Clinical conditions such as focal dystonia often require the assessment of atrophy and weakness of the finger muscles. However, due to a lack of well-established protocols, the current investigation focused on assessing the reliability of thickness and strength assessments of the flexor digitorum (FD) muscle, including both the superficialis and profundus components. As a secondary assessment, the reliability of the strength measurement of the extensor digitorum muscle was examined as well. ⋯ Results indicated an excellent relative and absolute reliability, for both hands, for the mean thickness and strength assessments of the flexor digitorum muscle and for the mean strength of the extensor digitorum (measured for both hands). These measurements can be used for future investigations and can contribute to the establishment of more precise methods for assessing the muscles in the forearms which serve the hand.
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Med Probl Perform Art · Dec 2021
Dancers' Perceptions of Accessibility and Quality of the Relationship with Healthcare Professionals in Quebec.
To understand dancers' perception of accessibility to care and quality of the relationship with healthcare practitioners in Quebec; to identify the key elements of an optimal dancer-physician relationship; and to propose recommendations for improvement. ⋯ This research is the first investigation of the dancer-physician relationship in Quebec. It reveals a desire amongst the dance artist community to improve the dancer-physician relationship and the overall quality of their unique healthcare requirements.
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Med Probl Perform Art · Dec 2021
Impact of a Neck Strap Intervention on Perceived Effort, Thumb Force, and Muscle Activity of Clarinetists.
Clarinetists often report discomfort of the right wrist and thumb and note that it is likely the result of the constant force applied to the area from the instrument's weight and the musician's technique. One preventative measure to reduce this discomfort is the use of a neck strap. The objective of the current study was to document the biomechanical impacts of this intervention. ⋯ A neck strap intervention had positive effects on the right thumb while not causing any known adverse effects to other areas such as the neck, upper back, and shoulders.
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Med Probl Perform Art · Dec 2021
Prevalence of Playing-Related Musculoskeletal Problems Among Professional Orchestra Musicians in South Africa: A Study Using the Musculoskeletal Pain Intensity and Interference Questionnaire for Musicians (MPIIQM).
The prevalence of playing-related musculoskeletal problems (PRMPs) in professional musicians is well documented in the literature, but few studies have been done on South African professional musicians. ⋯ This study, the first to make use of a validated self-report instrument, shows that musculoskeletal problems are common among full-time and part-time professional orchestral musicians in South Africa.
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Med Probl Perform Art · Dec 2021
Psychological Wellbeing and Grit Among Freelancers in the UK Dance Industry.
The UK dance industry is composed largely of freelance workers, yet freelancers are an under-researched population within the dance science literature. The aim of this study was to investigate psychological wellbeing and grit (a combination of passion and persistence) among freelancers working in various roles in the UK dance sector. A total of 282 freelancers completed validated questionnaires tapping psychological wellbeing and grit (the 18-item Psychological Wellbeing Scale and Short Grit Scale). ⋯ Freelancers who identified as being early career reported significantly higher levels of grit than the mid and late career groups. Significant positive correlations were found between grit and the wellbeing domains of personal growth, purpose in life, and positive relations. Overall, the results of this study support previous qualitative research suggesting that a freelance dance career may provide elements of psychological wellbeing, and that passion and persistence towards long-term goals could be essential in the pursuit of a freelance career.