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Published on: August 2, 2016
Assessing the instrumentalist interface: modifications, ergonomics and maintenance of play
1Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, B401 West Fee Hall, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA. seneca.storm@ht.msu.edu
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America
|November 14, 2006
Summary
Musicians can prevent playing-related injuries by understanding instrument demands and implementing relative rest. Gradual return-to-play schedules and ergonomic awareness are key for long-term instrumentalist health.
Area of Science:
- Music Performance Science
- Musculoskeletal Health
- Ergonomics in Performing Arts
Background:
- Playing-related complaints in musicians stem from technique, musculoskeletal loads, and individual factors like anatomy and instrument choice.
- Overuse syndromes are influenced by practice duration, warm-up/cool-down routines, and the necessity of relative rest over absolute rest.
- Immobilization exceeding 3-4 weeks can increase injury risk upon resuming playing, highlighting the need for careful rehabilitation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore factors contributing to playing-related musculoskeletal complaints in instrumentalists.
- To provide evidence-based recommendations for injury prevention and management in musicians.
- To emphasize the importance of proactive ergonomic strategies and joint protection for instrumentalists.
Main Methods:
- Review of factors influencing playing-related complaints, including anatomical differences, practice habits, and instrument-specific demands.
- Analysis of research on practice duration, rest periods, and the effects of repetitive activities on blood flow (e.g., Lutz et al.).
- Application of principles from arthritis management and adaptive strategies to musicians' daily activities and practice routines.
Main Results:
- Repetitive hand/wrist activities for 90 minutes decreased forearm blood flow, normalizing after 5-10 minutes of stretching.
- Gradual return-to-play schedules, starting with simple music and increasing playing time incrementally (doubling every few days), are recommended.
- Practical advice includes building practice time in short intervals (5-10 minutes) within longer sessions (60-90 minutes), with specific considerations for hypermobility (45-minute sessions with breaks).
Conclusions:
- Musicians should adopt proactive ergonomic strategies, focusing on joint protection and identifying modifiable behaviors that cause discomfort.
- Relative rest and gradual return-to-play protocols are crucial for managing and preventing playing-related injuries.
- Understanding the interplay between instrument demands, individual physiology, and practice habits is essential for maintaining instrumentalist health.
