Prevention of cervical and mandibular dysfunction in wind musicians: a randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Musculoskeletal Health
• Performing Arts Medicine

Background:

• Wind instrument playing engages orofacial muscles, impacting the temporomandibular joint, cervical spine, and head posture.
• Musicians often lack specific oral health guidance related to their practice.
• Craniocervical pain and postural issues are common among wind instrument players.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a preventive exercise program on posture, range of motion, myofascial trigger points, muscle activation, and craniocervical pain in wind players.
• To assess improvements in cervical spine and temporomandibular joint mobility and musculature.

Main Methods:

• University woodwind and brass students participated in a 12-week study.
• The experimental group engaged in a targeted exercise program; the control group received no intervention.
• Physical assessments and questionnaires were administered pre- and post-intervention.

Main Results:

• The experimental group showed increased sagittal head angle and cervical flexion-extension mobility.
• Cervical pain and resting trapezius muscle activation decreased significantly in the intervention group.
• The prevalence of recent pain and overall neck pain was reduced.

Conclusions:

• A specific exercise program can enhance cervical mobility in wind players.
• The program effectively reduced pain and muscle tension in the upper trapezius at rest.
• Targeted exercises offer a viable strategy for managing musculoskeletal issues in musicians.