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Prevalence and Risk Factors for Musculoskeletal Pain in Keyboard Musicians: A Systematic Review
Leticia Amaral Corrêa1, Luciano Teixeira Dos Santos2, Edmur Nelson Nogueira Paranhos3
1Rehabilitation Science Postgraduation Program at Augusto Motta University Centre (UNISUAM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil(∗).
Objective:
To identify the prevalence and risk factors for musculoskeletal pain in keyboard musicians.
Design:
Systematic review METHODS: A systematic review was conducted according to the MOOSE recommendations and it was registered with the PROSPERO database under registration number CRD42016042913. We included observational studies through the electronic databases PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Répertoire International de Littérature Musicale (RILM), Retrospective Index to Music Periodicals (RIPM), Scielo, and Google Scholar, with combinations of the keywords pianists, keyboard players, musculoskeletal pain, muscular disease, tendinitis, tendinopathy, observational, case-control, prevalence, and risk factors. Data from population, information about pain, and risk factors were extracted from studies that fulfilled the eligibility criteria. The methodological quality of the studies was classified through the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The risk of bias and quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADE system.
Results:
Twelve articles (case-controls) were included for the qualitative synthesis. The quality of the studies was classified as fair (n = 6) and good (n = 6). Prevalence was observed between 25.8% and 77.0% of musculoskeletal pain among keyboard musicians, with a higher prevalence in wrists and hands (13.8%-65.8%), neck (9.8%-64.2%), and shoulders (9.8%-59.8%). The only consistent risk factor found in the 4 studies was being female, with OR ranging from 1.05-1.90. Age greater than 18 years; weekly training more than 20 hours; training for more than 60 minutes without a rest break; not having a habit of practicing sports; and playing despite the pain were also described as risks factors for musculoskeletal pain. It was not possible to perform the meta-analysis due to the heterogeneity of the studies.
Conclusion:
Keyboard musicians presented a high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain, especially in the upper extremity regions of the body. Female, ageing, playing behaviors, and sedentary lifestyle showed an increased likelihood to report musculoskeletal pain.
Level Of Evidence:
II.
Insights
Musculoskeletal pain is common in keyboard musicians, affecting wrists, hands, neck, and shoulders. Being female, older age, extensive practice, and sedentary habits increase risk.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
- Music Performance Science
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Keyboard musicians are susceptible to musculoskeletal pain due to repetitive motions and prolonged practice.
- Understanding prevalence and risk factors is crucial for developing targeted prevention strategies.
- Previous research has indicated a significant burden of these conditions in performing artists.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and identify the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in keyboard musicians.
- To determine the associated risk factors contributing to the development of these conditions.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review adhering to MOOSE guidelines was conducted.
- Included observational studies from multiple electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, etc.).
- Keywords included 'pianists,' 'keyboard players,' 'musculoskeletal pain,' and 'risk factors.'
- Data extraction focused on population, pain characteristics, and risk factors.
- Study quality assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and risk of bias via GRADE.
Main Results:
- Twelve case-control studies were included, with 6 rated as fair and 6 as good quality.
- Prevalence of musculoskeletal pain ranged from 25.8% to 77.0% among keyboard musicians.
- Highest prevalence reported in wrists/hands (13.8%-65.8%), neck (9.8%-64.2%), and shoulders (9.8%-59.8%).
- Being female was the only consistent risk factor (OR 1.05-1.90).
- Other identified risk factors included age >18, >20 weekly training hours, prolonged practice sessions without breaks, lack of sports participation, and playing through pain.
Conclusions:
- Keyboard musicians experience a high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain, particularly in the upper extremities.
- Female sex, older age, specific playing behaviors, and sedentary lifestyles are associated with increased pain risk.
- Further research is needed, but findings highlight key areas for intervention and prevention.
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