Does Use of Face Masks Influence Pain and Performance in Musicians?

To analyze headache and pain in the mandibular region as well as the self-perception of fatigue, difficulty and level of performance during instrumental practice when using a face mask. To analyze their influence in relation to the duration of practice.

Observational study through the completion of an online questionnaire among students and teachers in public conservatories in Spain.

In 552 respondents (435 students, 117 teachers), the incidence of headache was 28.6%, being higher in musicians who used the face mask. Regarding jaw pain, 12.5% indicated that their pain increased since its use. However, the differences of pain in both regions and face mask use were not statistically significant. Nearly 40% of the participants indicated an increase in fatigue, tiredness and lowering of performance than before using the mask. Moreover, this percentage was between 66-74% when we analyzed the musicians who use it when playing, obtaining p<0.001 in all 3 variables. As for the duration of rehearsals, the only difference found is between jaw pain and hours/week of practice (p=0.036).

The use of the face mask significantly affected the self-perception of fatigue, as well as the difficulty and performance of instrumental practice, but was not related to the occurrence of headache and jaw pain in the musicians.