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Physical and environmental factors contributing to music related injuries among children
Natalie C McKechnie1, Karen Jacobs
1Boston University, College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, Boston, MA, USA. ncmckech@gmail.com
Insights
This study found no link between environmental or physical factors and music-related injuries in young pianists. Proper technique and practice strategies were identified as key to injury-free playing.
Area of Science:
- Music Medicine
- Pediatric Music Education
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Child pianists face risks of music-related injuries.
- Environmental and physical factors are potential contributors to these injuries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of environmental and physical factors on music-related injuries in child pianists.
- To determine if these factors correlate with pain, discomfort, or injury history.
Main Methods:
- Surveyed 26 participants: 10 piano students (ages 5-11), 10 parents, and 6 piano teachers.
- Utilized three questionnaires to gather data on environmental and physical factors.
- Employed descriptive statistics for data analysis.
Main Results:
- No student participants reported pain, discomfort, or prior music-related injuries.
- Lighting and family presence were identified as key environmental factors by parents and teachers.
- Proper technique and effective practice strategies were deemed crucial for injury-free playing.
Conclusions:
- The study did not find a relationship between examined environmental or physical factors and music-related injuries in child pianists.
- Optimal practice environments and techniques appear to mitigate injury risk.
Objective:
This study asserts that a combination of environmental and physical factors influence the child pianist's risk for developing a music related injury.
Participants:
26 participants (10 piano students, 10 parents, and 6 piano teachers) were included in this study. Piano students were ages 5 to 11 and currently enrolled in piano lessons.
Methods:
Three questionnaires addressed the factors affecting the participant groups (children, parents, and piano teachers). Participants completed one questionnaire about the factors contributing to the development of music related injuries in child pianists. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the results.
Results:
None of the student participants had pain, discomfort, or a history of music related injuries. The majority of parents and teachers reported that the lighting was the most important environmental factor affecting students' playing in the piano lesson. 70% of parents reported that the presence of family members most greatly affected students' practicing at home. 100% of the teachers and parents reported that the most important physical factors contributing to students' injury-free playing were playing with proper technique and learning effective practice strategies. All parents and students who were taking piano lessons in their homes reported the most satisfaction with their piano lesson environment.
Conclusion:
The results of this study do not support a relationship between environmental or physical factors and the presence of pain, discomfort, or music related injuries in students.
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