Motor activity as a way of preventing musculoskeletal problems in string musicians

Publication: Contribution to journalJournal articlesResearch

Abstract

The health status of performing artists, especially musicians, was not an issue for medical research until the 1980s. Musicians tend to suffer from health-related problems, as playing an instrument demands long and intensive practice. This paper provides a literature review of health problems of string players in particular. It analyzes whether their problems are playing-related or if various parameters potentially influence their health state, and it subsequently presents a concept of efficient training. Health disorders and diseases are individual. In order to ensure efficient prevention, a profile of qualification, including physical and psychological aspects as well as key skills, allows developing an individual training schedule and thus should be included in the process of prevention. Physical performance plays a decisive role and is more important than commonly thought. Strength, endurance, and flexibility in particular have an immense influence on the musician's performance. Playing an instrument requires both physical and mental skills, and all too often this leads to excessive demands. It is necessary to highlight the possible causes and provide the musician with a therapeutic intervention and educational work. As the demand for preventative work in this field grows steadily, this paper draws a detailed concept of a therapeutic intervention.

Original languageEnglish
JournalMedical problems of performing artists
Volume26
Issue number1
Pages (from-to)24-29
Number of pages6
ISSN0885-1158
Publication statusPublished - 01.03.2011

Research areas and keywords

  • Environmental Monitoring
  • Hand Injuries
  • Health Status
  • Humans
  • Motor Activity
  • Musculoskeletal Diseases
  • Music
  • Occupational Diseases
  • Occupational Exposure
  • Task Performance and Analysis
  • Weight-Bearing
  • Workload

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