[Musculoskeletal disorders in piano students of a conservatory]

A four parts questionnaire administered to piano students of Conservatory "T. Schipa" of Lecce, southern Italy, was used to determine the prevalence of instrument-related problems. Among 121 responders, 48 (39.6%) were considered affected according to pre-established criteria. Univariate analyses showed statistical differences for mean age, number of hours spent playing per week, interval without breaks, lack of sport practice and acceptability of "No pain, no gain" criteria in students with music-related pains compared with not affected pianists. No association with hand site was found in pianists with only upper limbs diseases. The multivariate analyses performed by logistic regression confirmed the independent association for the risk factors age, lack of sport practice and acceptability of "No pain, no gain" criteria. Differently from several studies older students were more frequently affected and no difference in the prevalence rate was found in females. Findings suggest a probable causal contribution of fixed postures in the development of PRMDs in pianists in addition to repetitive movements of upper limbs.