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Extent of Playing-Related Musculoskeletal Problems in the Irish Traditional Music Community: A Survey
Mark Porter, Iseult M Wilson1, Liz Doherty
1Physiotherapy, Room 14J09, School of Health Sciences, Ulster University, Shore Rd., Newtownabbey BT37 0QB, Northern Ireland. Tel +44 28 90366244. i.wilson@ulster.ac.uk.
Background:
The literature related to playing-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMDs) primarily includes classical musicians and instrument-specific studies. Previous work by our team identified that PRMDs are an issue for Irish traditional fiddle players; however, the extent of the problem was not known.
Objective:
To identify the type and extent of PRMDs in the Irish traditional music population, specifically fiddle players.
Methods:
A questionnaire was developed and administered to faculty and students related to all Irish traditional music courses in all higher education institutions in Ireland.
Results:
Seven institutions were included. The response rate was 77.5% (n=79 of 102 possible respondents). A fifth of respondents never had a PRMD, 36.7% (n=29) currently had a PRMD, and 34.2% (n=27) had a previous experience of a PRMD. The main symptoms were pain (62%, n=49), stiffness (41.8%, n=33), and tingling (35.4%, n=28). There was a positive association between the development of PRMDs and increased hours of play (p=0.017).
Conclusions:
PRMDs are a problem for Irish traditional fiddle players, especially during times of intense playing such as festivals.
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