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| Primary Author: |
Brandfonbrener, A.
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| Journal Title: |
Medical Problems of Performing Artists
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| Date Published: |
Mar-97 |
| Language: |
English
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| Category: |
Anatomical, Physiological & Historical Research
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| Key Words: |
orchestra injury prevention medical performance |
| Full Citation: |
Brandfonbrener, Alice G. Orchestral Injury Prevention Intervention Study. Medical Problems of Performing Artists 12, no. 1 (March 1997): 9-14. |
| Full Abstract: |
Occupational injuries of musicians may be preventable by implementing intervention strategies. A prevention program was developed, combining the use of musculoskeletal education and specific exercise protocols, focusing on the upper extremity. Six orchestras served as experimental subjects and three orchestras as controls. Lectures were given to all volunteers, and all filled out questionnaires. Each participant was assigned to one of two types of exercises: one emphasized strengthening and the other flexibility. The study had a very high attrition rate, negating the significance of much of the data collected. However, some information may be useful in designing future studies. The improvement in musculoskeletal symptoms among both the experimental and the control subjects suggests that simply allowing these musicians to focus on their problems represented a positive intervention. Three-fourths of the respondents indicated that they would consider participating in a similar study, and an even larger proportion indicated that they would continue some of the exercises on their own. The health insurance carrier of one of the experimental orchestras reduced its rates as a consequence of fewer claims. |
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