Respiratory Function in Wind Instrument Players

Wind instrumentalists require a sophisticated functioning of their respiratory system.

The purpose of this research is to examine the function of the respiratory system of wind instrumentalists.

Thirty-two adult professional musicians from two philharmonic bands (Piraeus and Zografou Municipality) participated in the survey. Each participant, after completing a questionnaire given, went through two spirometric tests, one before and one after the rehearsal. The rehearsal lasted one hour and a half and included low-mid and high frequency notes. Respiratory volumes measured and analyzed were, vital capacity (VC), maximum expiratory volume of air in 1st second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory flow (FEF), and Tiffenau index (FEV1/FV%).

The results showed that: 1) Participants did not show any noticeable change in their respiratory volumes before and after rehearsal. 2) Wind instrument players do not have a VC greater than their predicted age, height, weight and gender. 3) There is no statistically significant difference between the first and second assessment of respiratory indicators for smokers and non-smokers. 4) Regarding the type of instrument: a) Those who played wooden instruments improved the FEV1/FVC% indicator to a remarkable percentage between the first and second spirometry and b) individuals playing wooden instruments had a lower FVC, FEV1 and VC score than those playing bronze.

There is no significant strain sign in respiratory system even in smokers after exercising in wind instrument. There is an improvement in Tiffenau index in those who played wooden instruments between the two rehearsals. Undoubtedly, new research is needed to combine a respiratory disease scenario with a respiratory treatment program that involves practicing a wind instrument.