Fit to play: posture and seating position analysis with professional musicians - a study protocol

Area of Science:

• Ergonomics
• Music Performance Science
• Musculoskeletal Health

Background:

• Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are prevalent among professional musicians, significantly impacting their careers.
• String players are particularly susceptible to MSD due to instrument-specific playing postures.
• Poor upper body posture and unergonomic movements during performance contribute to MSD and pain syndromes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the influence of different music chair designs on musician posture and seating pressure.
• To provide data-driven recommendations for selecting music chairs to prevent MSD.

Main Methods:

• Analyzed posture and seating pressure distribution in 66 professional musicians using video raster stereography.
• Measurements were taken in habitual seating positions and while playing instruments on various music chairs.
• Musicians were categorized into three groups based on performance duration, exercise intensity, and professional experience.

Main Results:

• Statistical analyses (ANOVA, Friedman-test, Jonckheere-Terpstra-test) were employed to assess posture variations.
• The study evaluated the impact of different chair structures and seating surfaces on musicians' physical alignment.
• Posture differences were compared across amateur, student, and professional orchestral musicians.

Conclusions:

• The developed method aims to guide musicians in choosing appropriate music chairs.
• Selecting the right music chair can proactively reduce or prevent the incidence of MSD.
• Ergonomic considerations in chair design are crucial for musician well-being and sustained professional activity.