Medical problems of performing artists
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Med Probl Perform Art · Dec 2021
Musculoskeletal Pain and Musical Performance in First and Second Violinists of Professional Youth Chamber Orchestras: A Comparative Study.
First and second violinists in orchestras use identical instruments, but the motor patterns used to execute the different notes may vary between the two groups and the biomechanical gestures may influence musculoskeletal complaints. The primary objective of this study was to compare the pain intensity and interference in musical performance of first and second violinists of professional youth chamber orchestras. Second, to investigate the correlation between pain and the musical practice profile in this population. ⋯ Second violinists had more complaints of pain and difficulty in playing their instrument compared to the first violinists. The study also found a correlation between the number of body areas with pain complaints and variables linked to the violinists' practice profile.
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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
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.
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Med Probl Perform Art · Sep 2021
Perceptions of Motivational Climate and Association with Musculoskeletal Injuries in Ballet Dancers.
Sports science has identified the trainer-athlete relationship in the etiology of injuries. We aimed to investigate: 1) the association between empowering (EMC) and disempowering (DMC) motivational-climate and musculoskeletal injuries in ballet, and 2) if EMC moderates the association between DMC and injuries. ⋯ To avoid injuries, it is not enough to create an EMC, because any disempowering nuances may negatively affect empowering climates. Teachers should avoid DMC altogether to prevent injuries in dancers.
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Med Probl Perform Art · Sep 2021
Wrist Internal Loading and Tempo-Dependent, Effort-Reducing Motor Behaviour Strategies for Two Elite Pianists.
One of the greatest challenges in reducing high rates of performance injuries among musicians is in providing them usable tools to address playing-related musculoskeletal problems (PRMP) before they become disorders. Studies in biomechanics have the potential to provide such tools. In order to better understand the mechanisms through which PRMP manifest in pianists, especially in the distal segments of the upper limbs, the current study quantifies wrist internal loading (WIL) and wrist impact loading frequency. ⋯ Individualized anthropometry influenced the range of motor strategies available to each pianist. The pianist with the larger hand span employed a flexion/extension wrist strategy as a compensatory means for effort reduction, while the pianist with the smaller hand span employed a radial/ ulnar deviation strategy. The current study provides a new perspective in addressing PRMP among pianists by rationalizing anthropometric potentials in terms of ergonomic parameters and documenting the availability and utility of effort-reduction strategies in the wrists during piano performance as performers consider PRMP risk and avoidance.