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A Psychophysiological Case Study of Orchestra Conductors
S Victoria Jaque1, Isabel H Karamanukyan, Paula Thomson
1Department of Kinesiology, California State University, Northridge, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge, CA 91330, USA. Tel 818-372-6240, fax 818-677-3207. paula.thomson@csun.edu.
Medical Problems of Performing Artists
|November 29, 2015
Summary
Professional conducting demands significant physiological effort, comparable to "hard" work intensities. Anxiety and coronary artery disease may impact heart rate variability resilience in conductors.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Physiology
- Music Performance Science
Background:
- Investigated psychological and physiological effects of performance in professional orchestral conductors.
- Assessed anxiety, dissociation, health, fantasy proneness, shame, and flow states using self-report tests.
- Monitored autonomic nervous system and heart rate variability (HRV) using ambulatory physiological monitoring.
Observation:
- Two conductors, one with asthma/anxiety history, the other with coronary artery disease, were studied.
- Data collected pre-, during, and post-rehearsal and public performance.
- Physiological demands of conducting were assessed during rest, stair-climbing, rehearsal, and performance.
Findings:
- Significant within- and between-subject differences in autonomic nervous system responses and HRV were observed.
- Physiological demands of conducting equate to "hard" work intensities based on heart rate.
- Both conductors reported high flow states during performance.
- Anxiety and coronary artery disease potentially attenuated HRV resilience.
Implications:
- Recommends noninvasive assessment of cardiac autonomic activity in professional conductors during professional duties.
- Highlights the need for further research into anxiety, respiratory, and cardiovascular risks for conductors.
- Suggests performance-related psychological and physiological stress impacts conductors.
