Postural disorders in conservatory students: the Diesis project

Area of Science:

• Music Performance Science
• Ergonomics
• Musculoskeletal Health

Background:

• Prolonged and incorrect postures are significant risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders.
• Musculoskeletal pathologies are a concern for students in higher education, particularly in performance-intensive fields.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of incorrect postures among conservatory students.
• To assess if asymmetric instruments are a risk factor for postural disorders.
• To investigate the correlation between study duration, physical activity, and postural disorders.

Main Methods:

• 148 conservatory students were assessed for posture with and without instruments.
• Instruments were categorized as symmetric or asymmetric.
• Data were analyzed using chi-square and linear regression.

Main Results:

• 66.2% of students exhibited postural disorders, and 73.4% had non-optimal postures while playing.
• Playing an asymmetric instrument was significantly associated with postural disorders (p=0.01).
• Postural disorders worsened in 59.2% of students while playing, with asymmetric instruments (p=0.01) and years of practice (p=0.007) being significant factors.

Conclusions:

• Asymmetric instruments increase the risk of non-optimal postures and worsen existing postural disorders in musicians.
• Increased years of practice further negatively impact postural health.
• Further research is needed to understand the role of poor posture in musician musculoskeletal complaints.