![[PDF]](/pb-assets/Icons/adobe-pdf-icon-1498649896243.png){kind=icon}
Abstract
Musicians have recognized that physical problems often accompany playing, yet examinations of performance-related injuries and medical problems remain relatively new. The type of instrument played can affect musicians’ pain-related problems as well as physical stature. The focus of this study was to determine whether physical intervention—easily performed stretches of a brief duration—administered during rehearsals at approximately 10-minute intervals would affect orchestra students’ perceptions of physical discomfort. Results of analyses focused on gender and grade revealed no significant differences, although the independent variable of instrument showed a significant difference in scores before and after rehearsal. Treatment group participants’ levels of discomfort decreased in contrast to control group participants’ scores, which increased. Music educators play an important role in being proactive about preventative and rehabilitative measures. Based on this research, it is recommended that stretches be completed periodically while playing to reduce discomfort associated with performance practice.
References
|
Brandfonbrener, A. G., Lederman, R. J. (2002). Performing arts medicine. In Colwell, R., Richardson, C. (Eds.), The new handbook of research on music teaching and learning (pp. 1009-1022). New York, NY: Oxford University Press. Google Scholar | |
|
Brown, A. (1997, March). Musculoskeletal misuse among youth symphony string players. Medical Problems of Performing Artists, 12, 15–18. Google Scholar | ISI | |
|
Cailliet, R. (1990). Abnormalities of the sitting postures of musicians. Medical Problems of Performing Artists, 4, 131–135. Google Scholar | |
|
Cayea, D., Manchester, R. (1998). Instrument-specific rates of upper extremity injuries in music students. Medical Problems of Performing Artists, 13, 19–25. Google Scholar | ISI | |
|
Chesky, K., Kondraske, G. V., Henoch, M., Hipple, J., Rubin, B. (2002). Musicians’ health. In Colwell, R., Richardson, C. (Eds.), The new handbook of research on music teaching and learning (pp. 1023-1039). New York, NY: Oxford University Press. Google Scholar | |
|
Fishbein, M., Middlestadt, S. E., Ottati, V., Straus, S., Ellis, A. (1988). Medical problems among ICSOM musicians: Overview of a national survey. Medical Problems of Performing Artists, 3, 1–6. Google Scholar | ISI | |
|
Fry, H., Ross, P., Rutherford, M. (1988, December). Music-related overuse in secondary schools. Medical Problems of Performing Artists, 3, 133–134. Google Scholar | ISI | |
|
Horvath, J. (2003). Playing (less) hurt: An injury prevention guide for musicians. Kearney, NE: Morris. Google Scholar | |
|
Horvath, K. A. (2003, August). Muscle-ship: The overlooked foundational element of stringed instrument performance technique. American String Teacher, 53, 68–73. Google Scholar | Abstract | |
|
Irvine, J. (1991). Avoiding and recovering from bow arm and upper torso injuries. American String Teacher, 41, 65–67. Google Scholar | Abstract | |
|
Lederman, R. J. (1994). Neuromuscular problems in the performing arts. Muscle and Nerve, 17, 569–577. Google Scholar | Crossref | Medline | ISI | |
|
Lockwood, A. (1988). Medical problems in secondary school-aged musicians. Medical Problems of Performing Artists, 3, 129–132. Google Scholar | ISI | |
|
Manchester, R. (1997). Musculoskeletal problems of adolescent instrumentalists. Medical Problems of Performing Artists, 12, 72–74. Google Scholar | ISI | |
|
Middlestadt, S. E., Fishbein, M. (1989). The prevalence of severe musculoskeletal problems among male and female symphony orchestra string players. Medical Problems of Performing Artists, 4, 41–48. Google Scholar | ISI | |
|
Shoup, D. (1995). Survey of performance-related problems among high school and junior high school musicians. Medical Problems of Performing Artists, 10, 100–105. Google Scholar | ISI | |
|
Smith, G. J. (1994). Calisthenics for string players. Instrumentalist, 49, 54–56. Google Scholar | |
|
Winberg, J. S., Salus, M. F. (1990). Stretching for strings. Reston, VA: American String Teachers Association. Google Scholar |
