Purpose This study gives a systematic overview of the literature on the occurrence of musculoskeletal complaints in professional instrumental musicians. Methods A systematic review. Nine literature databases were searched without time... more
Purpose This study gives a systematic overview of the literature
on the occurrence of musculoskeletal complaints in
professional instrumental musicians.
Methods A systematic review. Nine literature databases
were searched without time limits on June 25, 2015, also
the complete index of the journal Medical Problems of
Performing Artists (MPPA) until June 2015 (30;2) was
searched, and citation tracking and reference checking of
the selected articles were performed. The search consisted
of the combination of three groups of keywords: musician
(e.g., musician, violin, music student, instrument player)
AND musculoskeletal (e.g., musculoskeletal, tendon,
shoulder, arthritis) AND epidemiology (e.g., prevalence,
incidence, occurrence).
Results The initial literature search strategy resulted
in 1258 potentially relevant articles. Finally, 21 articles
describing 5424 musicians were included in this review.
Point prevalences of musculoskeletal complaints in professional
musicians range between 9 and 68 %; 12-month
prevalences range between 41 and 93 %; and lifetime prevalences range between 62 and 93 %. Ten out of 12
studies show a higher prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints
among women. Brass instrumentalists are reported
to have the lowest prevalence rates of musculoskeletal
complaints. The neck and shoulders are the anatomic areas
most affected; the elbows are least affected. Although some
information is reported concerning age, the high risk of
bias in and between these studies makes it impossible to
present reliable statements with respect to this.
Conclusion Musculoskeletal symptoms are highly prevalent
among musicians, especially among women instrumentalists.
Future research concerning the epidemiology of
musculoskeletal complaints among musicians should focus
on associated risk factors and follow the current guidelines
to optimize scientific quality.
on the occurrence of musculoskeletal complaints in
professional instrumental musicians.
Methods A systematic review. Nine literature databases
were searched without time limits on June 25, 2015, also
the complete index of the journal Medical Problems of
Performing Artists (MPPA) until June 2015 (30;2) was
searched, and citation tracking and reference checking of
the selected articles were performed. The search consisted
of the combination of three groups of keywords: musician
(e.g., musician, violin, music student, instrument player)
AND musculoskeletal (e.g., musculoskeletal, tendon,
shoulder, arthritis) AND epidemiology (e.g., prevalence,
incidence, occurrence).
Results The initial literature search strategy resulted
in 1258 potentially relevant articles. Finally, 21 articles
describing 5424 musicians were included in this review.
Point prevalences of musculoskeletal complaints in professional
musicians range between 9 and 68 %; 12-month
prevalences range between 41 and 93 %; and lifetime prevalences range between 62 and 93 %. Ten out of 12
studies show a higher prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints
among women. Brass instrumentalists are reported
to have the lowest prevalence rates of musculoskeletal
complaints. The neck and shoulders are the anatomic areas
most affected; the elbows are least affected. Although some
information is reported concerning age, the high risk of
bias in and between these studies makes it impossible to
present reliable statements with respect to this.
Conclusion Musculoskeletal symptoms are highly prevalent
among musicians, especially among women instrumentalists.
Future research concerning the epidemiology of
musculoskeletal complaints among musicians should focus
on associated risk factors and follow the current guidelines
to optimize scientific quality.
